John Selden

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.

Preachers say, Do as I say, not as I do.

Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.

Never tell your resolution beforehand.

The law against witches does not prove there be any; but it punishes the malice of those people that use such means to take away men's lives.

Never king dropped out of the clouds.

Syllables govern the world.

They that govern the most make the least noise.

Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.

Marriage is a desperate thing.

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.

Philosophy is nothing but discretion.

Take a straw and throw it up into the air — you may see by that which way the wind is.

Few men make themselves masters of the things they write or speak.

Wit and wisdom are born with a man.

No man is the wiser for his learning.

The parish makes the constable, and when the constable is made he governs the parish.

Ignorance of the law excuses no man; not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to refute him.

Gentelmen heve ever been more temperate in their religion than common people, as having more reason.

Commonly we say a judgement falls upon a man for something in him we cannot abide.

'Tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.

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

Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet.