John Henry Newman

1801–1890 · English theologian, poet & cardinal

John Henry Newman was a leading figure of the Oxford Movement who converted from the Church of England to Roman Catholicism in 1845 and was later made a cardinal. His Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, written as he moved toward Rome, argued that living ideas necessarily grow and change over time while remaining true to themselves. He was canonised as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2019.

Traced to source

1 quote we’ve traced

“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often”

Verified

Did they really say it?

Thought John Henry Newman said something else?

Type a quote you think John Henry Newman said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.