Explore Quotes by John Selden

They that govern the most make the least noise.

It's not the drinking to be blamed, but the excess.

The world cannot be governed without juggling.

They that are against superstition oftentimes run into it of the wrong side. If I wear all colors but black, then I am superstitious in not wearing black.

Wise people say nothing in dangerous times.

Of all actions of a man's life, his marriage does least concern other people, yet of all actions of our life tis most meddled with by other people.

The Parish makes the constable, and when the constable is made, he governs the Parish.

They that are against Superstition oftentimes run into it of the wrong side. If I will wear all colours but black, then am I superstitious in not wearing black.

A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for quietness sake. Just as in a family one man is appointed to buy the meat.

Old friends are best.

Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.

Tis not seasonable to call a man traitor, that has an army at his heels.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practise, and yet every body is content to hear. The master thinks it good doctrine for his servant, the laity for the clergy, and the clergy for the laity.

All things are God's already; we can give him no right, by consecrating any, that he had not before, only we set it apart to his service - just as a gardener brings his master a basket of apricots, and presents them; his lord thanks him, and perhaps gives him something for his pains, and yet the apricots were as much his lord's before as now.

Few men make themselves masters of the things they write or speak.

In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.

Twas an unhappy Division that has been made between Faith and Works; though in my Intellect I may divide them, just as in the Candle I know there is both Light and Heat. But yet, put out the Candle, and they are both gone.

Marriage is a desperate thing.

No man is the wiser for his learning

The Hall was the place where the great lord used to eat . . . He ate not in private, except in time of sickness . . . Nay, the king himself used to eat in the Hall, and his lords sat with him, and he understood men.

No man is the wiser for his learning; it may administer matter to work in, or objects to work upon; but wit and wisdom are born with a man.