logo

Quotes from John Selden

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.
~ John Selden
No man is the wiser for his learning
~ John Selden
A wise man should never resolve upon anything, at least, never let the world know his resolution, for if he cannot reach that he is ashamed.
~ John Selden
Few men make themselves masters of the things they write or speak.
~ John Selden
Men say they are of the same religion, for quietness' sake; but if the matter were well examined, you would scarce find three anywhere of the same religion on all points.
~ John Selden
Wit and wisdom are born with a man.
~ John Selden
We measure the excellency of other men by some excellency we conceive to be in ourselves.
~ John Selden
Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man cannot keep up his dignity.
~ John Selden
The law against witches does not prove there be any; but it punishes the malice of those people that use such means to take away men's lives.
~ John Selden
Money makes a man laugh.
~ John Selden
Philosophy is nothing but discretion.
~ John Selden
Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.
~ John Selden
Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.
~ John Selden
Religion is like the fashion, one man wears his doublet slashed, another lashed, another plain; but every man has a doublet; so every man has a religion. We differ about the trimming.
~ John Selden
The world cannot be governed without juggling.
~ John Selden
While you are upon earth, enjoy the good things that are here (to that end were they given), and be not melancholy, and wish yourself in heaven.
~ John Selden
In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.
~ John Selden
Wise people say nothing in dangerous times.
~ John Selden
Syllables govern the world.
~ John Selden
There never was a merry world since the fairies left off dancing, and the Parson left conjuring.
~ John Selden
Preachers say, Do as I say, not as I do.
~ John Selden
Wit and wisdom are born with a man.
~ John Selden
Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty.
~ John Selden
Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet.
~ John Selden