Thomas North Quotes

Powerful Thomas North for Daily Growth

About Thomas North

Thomas North (1535-1588), an English humanist scholar, is best known for his translation of Plutarch's Lives into English. Born in London around 1535, North was the son of a weaver, but through his own efforts and the patronage of influential friends, he rose to become one of Elizabethan England's most respected scholars. North attended St. John's College, Cambridge, where he developed a passion for classical literature. After completing his studies, he traveled extensively across Europe, visiting Italy, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, immersing himself in the rich intellectual environment of the time. These travels significantly influenced his perspectives on life and learning, shaping him into a man who valued knowledge, culture, and humanity above all else. In 1559, North returned to England and began a career as a schoolmaster, eventually becoming a Fellow at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. It was during this period that he translated Plutarch's Lives, completing the work in 1579. This groundbreaking translation provided the English-speaking world with its first sustained exposure to the lives of great historical figures, offering insights into leadership, morality, and human nature that continue to resonate today. North also played a significant role in promoting the study of Hebrew at Cambridge, translating numerous works from that language. His major works include Plutarch's Lives (1579), The Golden Legend (a collection of saints' lives, 1565), and A Dialogue on the Next World (a work discussing life after death, 1581). Thomas North died in 1588, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship that continues to inspire readers today. His translation of Plutarch's Lives remains one of the most enduring and influential works of English literature from the Elizabethan era.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Boldness be my friend!"

The quote, "Boldness be my friend!" signifies a resolve to embrace courage, confidence, and assertiveness in one's actions. It suggests that the speaker intends to face challenges head-on without fear or hesitation, trusting in their abilities and instincts. This mindset encourages proactive decision-making and resilience, as it enables individuals to take risks and pursue opportunities that may otherwise seem daunting or impossible.


"For want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; for want of a horse the rider was lost."

This quote, often misattributed to Benjamin Franklin, is an illustration of the concept of "the domino effect" or "butterfly effect". It suggests that small, seemingly insignificant actions or events can have large and unforeseen consequences, in this case leading to a chain reaction resulting in great loss. In other words, neglecting a minor detail (the nail) can lead to a series of events ending in a significant loss (the rider). It serves as a reminder to always consider the potential impact of our actions, however trivial they may seem.


"The greater part to be achieved is seldom done in the life-time of its first projector."

This quote suggests that significant accomplishments or goals often take longer than expected to be completed, and more commonly, are not finished by the person who initially envisioned them. It underscores the importance of patience, perseverance, and collaboration in bringing ideas to fruition.


"Heaven hath no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned."

This quote implies that both heaven and hell hold intense emotions when it comes to matters of love and honor. The phrase "heaven hath no rage like love to hatred turned" suggests that the anger of spurned love is as powerful as any divine wrath, while "nor hell a fury like a woman scorned" indicates that the fury or vengeance of someone deeply hurt by rejection can be unmatched in its intensity. The quote underscores the profound impact of love and the extreme emotional responses it can evoke when it is unrequited or disrespected.


"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

This quote by Thomas North (often attributed to Shakespeare) suggests that human understanding is limited, and there's much more to the world—beyond our current knowledge or comprehension—that remains unexplored or unimagined. It encourages curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to delve into mysteries beyond our existing philosophical frameworks.


Without saying word to anybody, cover thy face.

- Thomas North

Face, Cover, Anybody, Thy

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