Who said “They that govern the most make the least noise.”?

Verified

John Selden. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceTable Talk (1689)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Table Talk (1689).

APA

Selden, J. (n.d.). They that govern the most make the least noise. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28058-they-that-govern-the-most-make-the-least/

MLA

Selden, John. “They that govern the most make the least noise.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28058-they-that-govern-the-most-make-the-least/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Selden, John. “They that govern the most make the least noise.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/28058-they-that-govern-the-most-make-the-least/.