Quotes By Laurence Sterne
But this is neither here nor there why do I mention it? Ask my pen, it governs me, I govern not it.
Laurence Sterne
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
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
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
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
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
When the heart flies out before the understanding, it saves the judgment a world of pains.
Laurence Sterne
Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.
Laurence Sterne
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
Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.
Laurence Sterne
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
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
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
Our passion and principals are constantly in a frenzy, but begin to shift and waver, as we return to reason.
Laurence Sterne
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
Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.
Laurence Sterne
Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together.
Laurence Sterne
Titles of honor are like the impressions on coins, which add no value to gold or silver, but only render brass current.
Laurence Sterne
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
People who overly take care of their health are like misers. They hoard up a treasure which they never enjoy.
Laurence Sterne