1001Philosophers

John Wyclif Quotes

John Wyclif was an English scholastic philosopher, theologian, and reformer, often called the morning star of the Reformation. Master of Balliol College and a doctor of theology at Oxford, he developed in his metaphysical writings a strongly realist theory of universals and a doctrine of dominion grounded in grace, on which lawful possession depends on righteousness. The quotes below are attributed to John Wyclif, organized by topic.

John Wyclif on God

  • Attributed to John Wyclif:

    “Scripture is the highest authority for every Christian.”

  • Attributed to John Wyclif:

    “The Bible should be available to every plowman in his own tongue.”

  • Attributed to John Wyclif:

    “A church that hoards wealth has forgotten its Lord.”

John Wyclif on Politics

  • Attributed to John Wyclif:

    “Lawful dominion depends on righteousness; without grace, there is no true title.”

John Wyclif on Truth

  • Attributed to John Wyclif:

    “Universals are real before they are in things, and in things before they are in our minds.”