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

John Selden

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John Selden
Age: 69 †
Born: 1584
Born: December 16
Died: 1654
Died: November 30
Jurist
Politician
Writer
Men
Masters
Speak
Write
Writing
Make
Things

More quotes by John Selden

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While you are upon earth, enjoy the good things that are here (to that end were they given), and be not melancholy, and wish yourself in heaven.
John Selden
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The House of Commons is called the Lower House, in twenty Acts of Parliament but what are twenty Acts of Parliament amongst Friends?
John Selden
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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.
John Selden
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Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.
John Selden
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Preachers say, Do as I say, not as I do. But if a physician had the same disease upon him that I have, and he should bid me do one thing and he do quite another, could I believe him?
John Selden
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Idolatry is in a man's own thought, not in the opinion of another.
John Selden
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Men say they are of the same religion, for quietness' sake but if the matter were well examined, you would scarce find three anywhere of the same religion on all points.
John Selden
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In a troubled state we must do as in foul weather upon a river, not think to cut directly through, for the boat may be filled with water but rise and fall as the waves do, and give way as much as we conveniently can.
John Selden
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There is no book on which we can rest in a dying moment but the Bible.
John Selden
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If the prisoner should ask the judge whether he would be content to be hanged, were he in his case, he would answer no. Then, says the prisoner, do as you would be done to.
John Selden
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Of all the actions of a man's life, his marriage does least concern other people, yet of all the actions of our lives, 'tis the most meddled with by other people.
John Selden
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Pleasure is nothing else but the intermission of pain.
John Selden
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Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes they were the easiest for his feet.
John Selden
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A gallant man is above ill words.
John Selden
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In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.
John Selden
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Philosophy is nothing but discretion.
John Selden
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The Parish makes the constable, and when the constable is made, he governs the Parish.
John Selden
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More solid things do not show the complexion of the times so well as Ballads and Libels.
John Selden
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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.
John Selden
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Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man cannot keep up dignity. In gluttony there must be eating, in drunkenness there must be drinking 'tis not the eating, and 'tis not the drinking that must be blamed, but the excess. So in pride.
John Selden