John Selden

Date of Birth: December 16, 1584

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: November 30, 1654

Biography

John Selden was an influential English jurist, scholar, and parliamentarian, born on December 16, 1584, in Salvington, West Sussex, England. He was a polymath whose contributions to legal and political thought have left a lasting impact. Selden attended the University of Oxford but left without taking a degree and subsequently was admitted to the Inner Temple, where he trained as a lawyer. He gained prominence through his extensive writings on English law and antiquarian studies, often focusing on the historical foundations of common law. Selden entered Parliament in 1624, representing various constituencies over his career. He was a strong advocate for the rule of law, frequently clashing with the monarchy over issues of governance and individual rights. His most notable work, “Table Talk,” published posthumously in 1689, remains a seminal text in legal and political philosophy. Selden was deeply involved in the debates leading up to and during the English Civil War, aligning himself with the Parliamentary cause. Throughout his life, Selden was known for his vast learning and his library, one of the most extensive of his time. He passed away on November 30, 1654, leaving behind a legacy as one of England’s greatest legal minds.

5 Interesting Facts about John Selden

1. John Selden was known as the “Chief of learned men reputed in this land” by his contemporary, John Milton.

2. He was a founding member of the Society of Antiquaries of London.

3. Selden’s work on Jewish law, “De Jure Naturali et Gentium, Juxta Disciplinam Ebraeorum,” was groundbreaking in its field.

4. He played a significant role in drafting the Petition of Right in 1628, a constitutional document that set out specific liberties of the subject.

5. Selden’s extensive library was bequeathed to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Selden

1. “Liberty is the right to do whatever the law permits.”

2. “It is not the number of men, but the number of good men, that matters.”

3. “Equity is a roguish thing. For law we have a measure, know what to trust to. Equity is according to the conscience of him that is Chancellor, and as that is larger or narrower, so is equity.”

4. “A glorious death is his, who for his country falls.”

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

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Selden’s highest net worth is not precisely documented in modern terms, but he was well-regarded and affluent for his time, given his extensive library and significant legal influence.