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
two world scripture
Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.
two religion church
A glorious Church is like a magnificent feast; there is all the variety that may be, but every one chooses out a dish or two that he likes, and lets the rest alone: how glorious soever the Church is, every one chooses out of it his own religion, by which he governs himself, and lets the rest alone.
philosophy men two
When men comfort themselves with philosophy, 'tis not because they have got two or three sentences, but because they have digested those sentences, and made them their own: philosophy is nothing but discretion.
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.
kings clouds
Never king dropped out of the clouds.