Quotes By Laurence Sterne

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.

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

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

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

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

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!

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