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John Selden
(10 Dec 1584 - 30 Nov 1654)
English antiquarian, lawyer and Member of Parliament whose collection of his remarks, opinions and conversations, gathered during 20 years, were compiled by his amanuensis Richard Milward, and published posthumously in book form as Table Talk (1689). Its topics range from “abbies” to “zelots.” Selden was an expert on the ancient laws of England.
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Science Quotes by John Selden (5 quotes)
If they should make the standard for the measure, we call a Chancellor’s foot; what an uncertain measure would this be? One Chancellor has a long foot, another a short foot, a third an indifferent foot.
— John Selden
In John Selden, Richard Milward (ed.), 'Equity', Table-Talk of John Selden (1689), 18.
Most Mens Learning is nothing but History duly taken up. If I quote Thomas Aquinas for some Tenet, and believe it, because the School-Men say so, that is but History. Few men make themselves Masters of the things they write or speak.
— John Selden
In John Selden, Richard Milward (ed.), 'Learning', Table-Talk of John Selden (1689, 1856), 85.
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
In John Selden, Richard Milward (ed.), 'Learning', Table-Talk of John Selden (1689, 1856), 85.
Wit and Wisdom differ; Wit is upon the sudden turn, Wisdom is in bringing about ends.
— John Selden
In John Selden, Richard Milward (ed.), 'Wit', Table-Talk of John Selden (1689), 60.
Wit must grow like Fingers. If it be taken from others, ’tis like Plums stuck upon black Thorns; there they are for a while, but they come to nothing.
— John Selden
In John Selden, Richard Milward (ed.), 'Wit', Table-Talk of John Selden (1689), 60.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion.
(1987) -- 
