Quotes By Laurence Sterne
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
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
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
Titles of honor are like the impressions on coins, which add no value to gold or silver, but only render brass current.
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
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
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
Writing, when properly managed, (as you may be sure I think mine is) is but a different name for conversation.
Laurence Sterne
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
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
The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it.
Laurence Sterne
One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.
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
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