Take a straw and throw it up into the air — you may see by that which…

Quote byJohn Selden · 1584–1654

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Table Talk (1689), Libels..

English (original)

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

— John Selden

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

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

Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.

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

The House of Commons is called the Lower House, in twenty Acts of Parliament; but what are twenty Acts of Parliament amongst Friends?

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