John Selden

“They that govern the most make the least noise.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“The world cannot be governed without juggling.”

“Idolatry is in a man's own thought, not in the opinion of another.”

“Philosophy is nothing but discretion.”

“Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.”

“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.”

“Old friends are best.”

“Wise people say nothing in dangerous times.”

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