Thomas Browne

Writer, Author

1605 – 1682

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Who was Thomas Browne?

Sir Thomas Browne was an English polymath and author of varied works which reveal his wide learning in diverse fields including science and medicine, religion and the esoteric. Browne's writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the scientific revolution of Baconian enquiry, while his Christian faith exuded tolerance and goodwill towards humanity in an often intolerant era.

A consummate literary craftsman, Browne's works are permeated by frequent references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. His literary style varies according to genre, resulting in a rich, unusual prose that ranges from rough notebook observations to the highest Baroque eloquence. Although often described as suffering from melancholia, Browne's writings are also characterised by wit and subtle humour.

Famous Quotes:

  • But the iniquity of oblivion blindly scattereth her poppy, and deals with the memory of men without distinction to merit of perpetuity.
  • Men live by intervals of reason under the sovereignty of humor and passion.
  • A man may be in as just possession of truth as of a city, and yet be forced to surrender.
  • All things are artificial, for nature is the art of God.
  • We term sleep a death by which we may be literally said to die daily; in fine, so like death, I dare not trust it without my prayers.
  • It is the common wonder of all men, how among so many million faces, there should be none alike.
  • As reason is a rebel to faith, so passion is a rebel to reason.
  • Forcible ways make not an end of evil, but leave hatred and malice behind them.
  • It is we that are blind, not fortune.
  • Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.

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Born
Oct 19, 1605
London
Religion
  • Anglicanism
Nationality
  • England
Profession
Education
  • Pembroke College, Oxford
  • Leiden University
  • Winchester College
  • University of Padua
  • University of Oxford
Died
Oct 19, 1682
Norwich

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

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"Thomas Browne." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.biographies.net/people/en/thomas_browne>.

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