Quotes by 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.
• Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.
• Tis not seasonable to call a man traitor, that has an army at his heels.
• 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.
• The world cannot be governed without juggling.
• Wise people say nothing in dangerous times.
• Prayer should be short, without giving God Almighty reasons why he should grant this, or that; he knows best what is good for us.
• Philosophy is nothing but discretion.
• 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.
• In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.
• Idolatry is in a man's own thought, not in the opinion of another.
• 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.
• Old friends are best.