Selden's Quotes

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. — John Selden

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. — John Selden

No man is the wiser for his learning — John Selden

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

Marriage is a desperate thing. — 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

Ceremony keeps up things: 'tis like a penny glass to a rich spirit, or some excellent water; without it the water were spilt, and the spirit lost. — John Selden

Commonly we say a judgment falls upon a man for something in him we cannot abide. — John Selden

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

Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world. — John Selden

The world cannot be governed without juggling. — John Selden

Never king dropped out of the clouds. — John Selden

We look after religion as the butcher did after his knife, when he had it in his mouth. — John Selden

Abundance consists not alone in material possession, but in an uncovetous spirit. — John Selden

Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world. — John Selden

Preaching, in the first sense of the word, ceased as soon as ever the gospel was written. — John Selden

The House of Commons is called the Lower House, in twenty Acts of Parliament; but what are twenty Acts of Parliament amongst Friends? — John Selden

Learning is about seeing things froma a different perspective. My role is to help people improve their vision — Bob Selden

They that govern the most make the least noise. — John Selden

Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain. — John Selden

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

A gallant man is above ill words. — John Selden

He that hath a scrupulous conscience is like a horse that is not well weighed; he starts at every bird that flies out of the hedge. — John Selden

A thing is stable until it's not. — Michael Selden

Opinion is something wherein I go about to give reasons why all the world should think as I think. — John Selden

To preach long, loud, and Damnation, is the way to be cried up. We love a man that damns us, and we run after him again to save us. — 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

Money makes a man laugh. — John Selden

Fine wits destroy themselves with their own plots, in meddling with great affairs of state. — John Selden

Neatness was not one of the things he aimed at in life. — George Selden

Take a straw and throw it up into the air, you may see by that which way the wind is. — John Selden

We see the judges look like lions, but we do not see who moves them. — John Selden

Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were the easiest for his feet. — John Selden

Old friends are best. — John Selden

I guess I'm just feeling Septemberish. — George Selden

Those that govern most make least noise. — John Selden

Gentelmen heve ever been more temperate in their religion than common people, as having more reason. — John Selden

We measure the excellency of other men by some excellency we conceive to be in ourselves. — John Selden

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

Women ought not to know their own wit, because they will still be showing it, and so spoil it. — John Selden

Wit and wisdom are born with a man. — John Selden

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. — John Selden

Every law is a contract between the king and the people and therefore to be kept. — John Selden

The clergy would have us believe them against our own reason, as the woman would have her husband against his own eyes. — John Selden

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

But he could never be long without trying to find a reason for what she was doing ... — Edith Wharton

Wise people say nothing in dangerous times. — John Selden

There is no book on which we can rest in a dying moment but the Bible. — John Selden

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty. — John Selden

Wit and wisdom differ; wit is upon the sudden turn, wisdom is bringing about ends. — John Selden

Ignorance of the law excuses no man. — John Selden

Chapter 1 Selden paused in surprise. In the afternoon rush of the Grand Central Station his eyes had been refreshed — Edith Wharton

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

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear. — John Selden

Casting out devils is mere juggling; they never cast out any but what they first cast in. — John Selden

More solid things do not show the complexion of the times so well as Ballads and Libels. — John Selden

Talent is something rare and beautiful and precious,
and it must not be allowed to go to waste. — George Selden

There was never a merry world since the fairies left off dancing. — John Selden

Philosophy is nothing but discretion. — John Selden

While you are upon the earth, enjoy the good things that are here. — John Selden

The happiness of married life depends upon making small sacrifices with readiness and cheerfulness. — John Selden