John Selden Quotes

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John Selden was a distinguished English statesman, lawyer, and scholar known for his contributions to law, political theory, and biblical criticism. His legal works, particularly on the balance of power between church and state, influenced the development of English common law. Selden's intellectual pursuits encouraged others to think deeply about governance, individual rights, and the relationship between law and morality. His legacy continues to inspire those in law and politics to seek wisdom and uphold justice in all aspects of society.

"The world cannot be governed without juggling."

"The world cannot be governed without juggling."

7

"Philosophy is nothing but discretion."

"Philosophy is nothing but discretion."

Philosophy, Discretion, Nothing

16

"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."

"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."

Life, Marriage, People, Actions

6

"Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us."

"Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us."

God, Giving, Prayer

8

"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."

"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."

Family, Men, Man

14

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

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

Vice, Drinking, Excess

8

"Old friends are best."

"Old friends are best."

Friendship, Friends, Old

10

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

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

Thought, Man, Opinion

7

"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."

"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."

Wisdom, Work, Learning, Man

6

"Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain."

"Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain."

Nothing, Pain, Pleasure

9

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

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

Books, May, Name, Satisfaction

10

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

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

10

"Wise people say nothing in dangerous times."

"Wise people say nothing in dangerous times."

People, Nothing

19

"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."

"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."

Colors, Superstition, Wrong

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