Laurence Sterne Quotes

Powerful Laurence Sterne for Daily Growth

About Laurence Sterne

Laurence Sterne (1713-1768), an eminent English novelist and Anglican cleric, was born on November 24, 1713, in Clipston, Yorkshire, England. His birth name was John Sterne, but he later adopted the middle name Laurence in honor of Laurence Myers, a friend who had helped finance his education. Sterne's early life was marked by a lack of formal education due to his family's financial struggles. However, he attended the University of York where he studied theology and became an ordained Anglican minister in 1738. Influenced by Jonathan Swift and other satirical writers, Sterne used his pulpit as a platform for social commentary, often to the displeasure of church authorities. In 1759, Sterne published "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," a novel that defied traditional narrative structures, blurred the lines between fiction and reality, and is considered one of the earliest examples of postmodern literature. This sprawling, humorous work chronicles the life of its protagonist, Tristram Shandy, but more notably, delves into Sterne's own philosophical musings on life, love, and mortality. Sterne's later years were marred by personal tragedies, including the death of his wife and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, he continued to write, producing works such as "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy" in 1768. This work, like "Tristram Shandy," is known for its wit, humor, and introspective exploration of human emotions. Laurence Sterne died on March 18, 1768, leaving an indelible mark on English literature. His innovative narrative techniques, biting satire, and profound exploration of human experience continue to captivate readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am tired of all this mystery. I want facts."

This quote expresses a desire for concrete, tangible information rather than being immersed in speculation or abstract concepts. The speaker seeks clarity and understanding through verifiable facts to make informed decisions or gain a better grasp of the situation at hand. It's often used in contexts where people want answers to questions that require evidence-based responses, rather than conjecture.

"We live by faith, not by sight."

This quote by Laurence Sterne suggests that humans often rely on belief or faith in something unseen, rather than concrete evidence or tangible proof. It underscores the importance of trusting in things that may not be immediately evident or provable through sensory experience, yet still hold significant meaning and influence in our lives. In essence, Sterne highlights the role faith plays in guiding us as we navigate the complexities of life.

"It is a very fine thing to be alone if you do not depend on yourself."

This quote by Laurence Sterne suggests that being alone can be a positive experience when one does not rely solely on themselves for fulfillment or companionship. It implies that independence and self-sufficiency, while valuable traits, should not necessarily equate to loneliness or isolation. Instead, it is beneficial to be self-reliant in a way where one can find contentment and enjoy solitude, yet also appreciate the company of others when they are present. This quote encourages an understanding that healthy relationships with oneself and others are essential for a well-rounded life.

"Life is a sort of lark, and the dying is only the taking of the wings off."

This quote by Laurence Sterne suggests that life is a joyous and carefree journey, similar to a playful bird's flight (lark), filled with adventure and discovery. The "dying" is likened to the moment when one has to relinquish their ability to fly freely (taking off the wings), symbolizing the end of life on Earth. The quote emphasizes that while death is inevitable, it doesn't diminish the beauty and exhilaration of living.

"I would fain say something very funny; but nothing comes of it."

This quote suggests that the author, Laurence Sterne, desires to share a humorous thought or anecdote, but unfortunately, he is unable to find or express one at the moment. It reflects a sense of frustration or disappointment at not being able to evoke laughter despite his intentions.

In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.

- Laurence Sterne

Alone, Mind, Itself, Gains

Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.

- Laurence Sterne

Number, Vague, Nor, Pointed

People who overly take care of their health are like misers. They hoard up a treasure which they never enjoy.

- Laurence Sterne

Like, Which, Hoard, Overly

The most accomplished way of using books is to serve them as some people do lords; learn their titles and then brag of their acquaintance.

- Laurence Sterne

Learn, Some, Using, Brag

I am persuaded that every time a man smiles - but much more so when he laughs - it adds something to this fragment of life.

- Laurence Sterne

Smiles, More, Persuaded, Fragment

Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.

- Laurence Sterne

Respect, Morals, Manners, Guides

Titles of honor are like the impressions on coins, which add no value to gold or silver, but only render brass current.

- Laurence Sterne

Like, Add, Which, Titles

Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together.

- Laurence Sterne

More, Other, Wickedness, Holes

Of all the cants which are canted in this canting world, - though the cant of hypocrites may be the worst, - the cant of criticism is the most tormenting!

- Laurence Sterne

May, Which, Though, Cant

It is a great pity but tis certain from every day's observation of man, that he may be set on fire like a candle, at either end provided there is a sufficient wick standing out.

- Laurence Sterne

Like, May, Set, Tis

'Tis known by the name of perseverance in a good cause, and of obstinacy in a bad one.

- Laurence Sterne

Bad, Good Cause, Known, Tis

Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.

- Laurence Sterne

Forgiveness, Never, How, Forgave

But this is neither here nor there why do I mention it? Ask my pen, it governs me, I govern not it.

- Laurence Sterne

Why, Here, Govern, Governs

Alas! if the principles of contentment are not within us, the height of station and worldly grandeur will as soon add a cubit to a man's stature as to his happiness.

- Laurence Sterne

Will, Within, Add, Stature

In all unmerciful actions, the worst of men pay this compliment at least to humanity, as to endeavour to wear as much of the appearance of it, as the case will well let them.

- Laurence Sterne

Will, Wear, Least, Endeavour

God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.

- Laurence Sterne

God, Lamb, Wind

Only the brave know how to forgive; it is the most refined and generous pitch of virtue human nature can arrive at.

- Laurence Sterne

Nature, Forgive, Most, Refined

Our passion and principals are constantly in a frenzy, but begin to shift and waver, as we return to reason.

- Laurence Sterne

Reason, Frenzy, Waver, Principals

When a man is discontented with himself, it has one advantage - that it puts him into an excellent frame of mind for making a bargain.

- Laurence Sterne

Mind, Making, Discontented, Frame

Religion which lays so many restraints upon us, is a troublesome companion to those who will lay no restraints upon themselves.

- Laurence Sterne

Will, Companion, Which, Troublesome

People who are always taking care of their health are like misers, who are hoarding a treasure which they have never spirit enough to enjoy.

- Laurence Sterne

Always, Like, Which, Hoarding

Nothing is so perfectly amusing as a total change of ideas.

- Laurence Sterne

Nothing, Total, Perfectly, Amusing

For every ten jokes you acquire a hundred enemies.

- Laurence Sterne

Enemies, Ten, Hundred, Jokes

Lessons of wisdom have the most power over us when they capture the heart through the groundwork of a story, which engages the passions.

- Laurence Sterne

Through, Over, Which, Passions

I take a simple view of life. It is keep your eyes open and get on with it.

- Laurence Sterne

Life, View, Take, Open

Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.

- Laurence Sterne

Think, I Think, Mine, Conversation

What is the life of man! Is it not to shift from side to side? From sorrow to sorrow? To button up one cause of vexation! And unbutton another!

- Laurence Sterne

Shift, Another, Side, Button

Of all duties, prayer certainly is the sweetest and most easy.

- Laurence Sterne

Faith, Most, Certainly, Sweetest

Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.

- Laurence Sterne

Men, Rest, Themselves, Tire

There have been no sects in the Christian world, however absurd, which have not endeavoured to support their opinions by arguments drawn from Scripture.

- Laurence Sterne

Been, However, Which, Scripture

So much of motion, is so much of life, and so much of joy, and to stand still, or get on but slowly, is death and the devil.

- Laurence Sterne

Death, Motion, Still, Slowly

I once asked a hermit in Italy how he could venture to live alone, in a single cottage, on the top of a mountain, a mile from any habitation? He replied, that Providence was his next-door neighbor.

- Laurence Sterne

How, Replied, Next-Door, Providence

A dwarf who brings a standard along with him to measure his own size, take my word, is a dwarf in more articles than one.

- Laurence Sterne

Own, More, Standard, Articles

I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them, as they were in duty both equally bound to it, had minded what they were about when they begot me.

- Laurence Sterne

Father, I Wish, Equally, Minded

One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.

- Laurence Sterne

Mind, Read, His, Conduct

The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it.

- Laurence Sterne

Desire, Thirst, Ever, Increases

Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

- Laurence Sterne

May, Sciences, Learned, Rote

An actor should be able to create the universe in the palm of his hand.

- Laurence Sterne

Actor, Able, His, Palm

Pain and pleasure, like light and darkness, succeed each other.

- Laurence Sterne

Pain, Other, Like, Each

When the heart flies out before the understanding, it saves the judgment a world of pains.

- Laurence Sterne

World, Judgment, Flies, Saves

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