John Selden Quotes. James Wood, comp. 1899. Dictionary of Quotations

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James Wood, comp. Dictionary of Quotations. 1899.

John Selden


Ceremony keeps up all things; ’tis like a penny glass to a rich spirit or some excellent water; without it the water were spilt, the spirit lost.	1
Equity is a roguish thing; for law we have a measure … (but) equity is according to the conscience of him who is chancellor, and, as that is larger or narrower, so is equity.	2
Humility is a virtue all preach, none practise, and yet everybody is content to hear. The master thinks it good doctrine for his servant, the laity for the clergy, and the clergy for the laity.	3
If a man hath too mean an opinion of himself, it will render him unserviceable both to God and man.	4
It is not juggling that is to be blamed, but much juggling; for the world cannot be governed without it.	5
Marriage is a desperate thing. The frogs in Æsop were extremely wise; they had a great mind to some water, but they would not leap into the well, because they could not get out again.	6
Never tell your resolution before hand.	7
No man is the wiser for his learning…. Wit and wisdom are born with a man.	8
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.	9
Philosophy is nothing but discretion.	10
Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain, the enjoying of something I am in great trouble for till I get it.	11
The world cannot be governed without juggling.	12
They that are against superstition oftentimes run into it of the wrong side. If I wear all colours but black, then I am superstitious in not wearing black.	13
They that govern the most make the least noise.	14
Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.	15
’Tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.	16
Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.	17
Wit and wisdom are born with a man.	18
You see when they row in a barge, they that do drudgery work, slash, and puff, and sweat; but he that governs sits quietly at the stern, and scarce is seen to stir.	19

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