John Selden
John Selden
John Seldenwas an English jurist and a scholar of England's ancient laws and constitution and scholar of Jewish law. He was known as a polymath showing true intellectual depth and breadth; John Milton hailed Selden in 1644 as "the chief of learned men reputed in this land."...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionStatesman
Date of Birth16 December 1584
men thinking born
Wit and wisdom are born with a man.
thinking giving world
Opinion is something wherein I go about to give reasons why all the world should think as I think.
fall cutting thinking
In a troubled state we must do as in foul weather upon a river, not think to cut directly through, for the boat may be filled with water; but rise and fall as the waves do, and give way as much as we conveniently can.
humility men thinking
Humility is a virtue all men preach, none practice, and yet everybody is content to hear. The master thinks it good doctrine for his servants, the laity for the clergy, and the clergy for the laity.
They that govern the most make the least noise.
concern life marriage tis
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.
duty resolution twice
Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice asonerous a duty
drinking excess nor tis
Tis not the eating, nor 'tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess
army call heels man tis traitor
Tis not seasonable to call a man a traitor that has an army at his heels
children fine laughed learn speak tis
Tis a fine thing for children to learn to make verse; but when they come to be men, they must speak like other men, or else they will be laughed at
body content hear humanity none virtue
Humanity is a Virtue all preach, none practice, and yet every body is content to hear
life earth good-things
While you are upon the earth, enjoy the good things that are here.
people common reason
Gentelmen heve ever been more temperate in their religion than common people, as having more reason.
littles world foolery
Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.