Laurence Sterne Quotes

A collection of quotes by Laurence Sterne.

Laurence Sterne (1713-1768) was an Irish-born novelist and Anglican clergyman, best known for his satirical novel "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman." Born in Clonmel, Ireland, Sterne studied at Cambridge University and became ordained as a clergyman in 1738. He later served as the vicar of several parishes in Yorkshire, England.

Sterne gained literary prominence with the publication of "Tristram Shandy" in nine volumes, which he wrote over the span of many years. The novel is notable for its innovative narrative structure, digressions, and eccentric characters, and it remains a significant work of English literature.

In addition to "Tristram Shandy," Sterne also wrote the novel "A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy," which he published in 1768, shortly before his death. This work showcases his sentimental style and explores themes of human emotion and the complexities of relationships.

Throughout his career, Sterne's works were celebrated for their wit, humor, and originality. His unique writing style, which often blurred the line between fiction and reality, influenced subsequent generations of writers. Sterne's literary achievements had a lasting impact on the development of the novel as a genre.

Laurence Sterne passed away in London in 1768, but his contributions to English literature continue to be appreciated and studied to this day.

What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within this

What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within this span of life by him who interests his heart in everything.

Laurence Sterne

The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increase

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

Laurence Sterne

People who are always taking care of their health are like m

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

I take a simple view of life. It is keep your eyes open and

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

Laurence Sterne

Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

Sciences may be learned by rote, but wisdom not.

Laurence Sterne

Religion which lays so many restraints upon us, is a trouble

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

Laurence Sterne

So much of motion, is so much of life, and so much of joy, a

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

When ever a person talks loudly against religion, always sus

When ever a person talks loudly against religion, always suspect that it is not their reason, but their passions, which have got the better of their beliefs. A bad life and a good belief are disagreeable and troublesome neighbors; and when they separate, depend on it that it is for the sake of peace and quiet.

Laurence Sterne

An English man does not travel to see English men.

An English man does not travel to see English men.

Laurence Sterne

I once asked a hermit in Italy how he could venture to live

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

Alas! if the principles of contentment are not within us, th

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

Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave

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

Laurence Sterne

Positiveness is an absurd foible. If you are in the right, i

Positiveness is an absurd foible. If you are in the right, it lessens your triumph; if in the wrong, it adds shame to your defeat.

Laurence Sterne

Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others

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

Laurence Sterne

Our passion and principals are constantly in a frenzy, but b

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

Laurence Sterne

First, whenever a man talks loudly against religion, always

First, whenever a man talks loudly against religion, always suspect that it is not his reason, but his passions, which have got the better of his creed. A bad life and a good belief are disagreeable and troublesome neighbors, and where they separate, depend upon it, 'Tis for no other cause but quietness sake.

Laurence Sterne

One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to imp

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

Laurence Sterne

In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon

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

Laurence Sterne

I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them

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

Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.

Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.

Laurence Sterne