John Selden

Old friends are best.

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.

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.

Abundance consists not only in material possession, but in an un-covetous spirit.

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

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

Philosophy is nothing but discretion.

Wise people say nothing in dangerous times.

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.

The world cannot be governed without juggling.

They that govern the most make the least noise.

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.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear

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

Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.

Pleasures are all alike simply considered in themselves: he that hunts, or he that governs the commonwealth, they both please themselves alike, only we commend that, whereby we ourselves receive some benefit.

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

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty.

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.

Its not the drinking to be blamed but the excess.

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