John Evelyn



Sir John Evelyn (October 31, 1620 – February 27, 1706) was an English writer on the arts and sciences, and a founder member of the Royal Society. He is now chiefly valued for the light which his letters and his diary (kept from 1641 to 1706) cast on the social, political and intellectual history of his times.

Quotes

 * The title that has consecrated this Alter is the Marriage of Souls, and the Golden thread that tyes the hearts of all the world; I tell you, Madam, Freindshipp is beyond all relations of flesh and blood, because it is less materiall.
 * The Life of Mrs. Godolphin (London: William Pickering, 1847) pp. 20-21
 * Often misquoted as "Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world."

The Diary
Quotations are cited from the edition by Guy de la Bédoyère (Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell, 2004).


 * This Knight was indeede a valiant Gent: but not a little given to romance, when he spake of himselfe.
 * September 6, 1651.


 * I saw Hamlet Pr: of Denmark played: but now the old playe began to disgust this refined age.
 * November 26, 1661.


 * He was universally belov'd, Hospitable, Generous, Learned in many things, skill'd in Musick, a very greate Cherisher of Learned men of whom he had the conversation.
 * May 26, 1703.

Criticism

 * A most excellent person he is, and must be allowed a little for a little conceitedness; but he may well be so, being a man so much above others.
 * Samuel Pepys Diary, November 5, 1665.