Meaning: The quote "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" by John Selden, a 17th-century English jurist, scholar, and polymath, reflects an insightful observation about the nature of superstition and human behavior. Selden's words suggest that in their efforts to avoid superstition, people may inadvertently give in to it in different forms. This quote provokes contemplation about the paradoxical ways in which individuals may unconsciously adopt superstitious beliefs or behaviors while striving to reject them.

Selden's quote implies that the fear of being superstitious can lead individuals to overcompensate and engage in behaviors that are equally driven by superstition. For instance, the example of wearing all colors except black highlights how a person's aversion to being perceived as superstitious can result in a different form of superstitious behavior. By avoiding one particular color out of fear of being seen as superstitious, one may unwittingly fall into the trap of superstition from a different angle.

Furthermore, Selden's quote invites contemplation on the complex nature of superstition and human psychology. It suggests that individuals' actions are often influenced by an underlying fear of being labeled as superstitious. As a result, people may go to great lengths to distance themselves from superstition, only to find themselves entangled in its web through alternative beliefs or practices.

This quote also underscores the idea that superstition is not always a conscious choice. Instead, it can manifest subtly in the form of ingrained societal norms, personal habits, or unexamined beliefs. Through the example of color choices, Selden illuminates how superstition can permeate everyday decisions and behaviors without individuals realizing the underlying influence of superstition.

Moreover, Selden's quote raises questions about the nature of superstition and its relationship to individual autonomy. It prompts consideration of the extent to which people's actions are truly free from superstition or whether superstition subtly shapes their choices and behaviors. By addressing the unintended ways in which individuals can fall into superstition, Selden's quote challenges the notion of complete agency and rationality in human decision-making.

In conclusion, John Selden's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the paradoxical nature of superstition and human behavior. It highlights the idea that the fear of superstition can lead individuals to inadvertently embrace it through alternative actions or beliefs. This quote encourages introspection on the subtle ways in which superstition can influence human behavior and decision-making, shedding light on the complex interplay between conscious intentions and unconscious influences. Selden's astute observation continues to resonate as a timeless reflection on the intricate relationship between human psychology and superstition.