Laurence Sterne
Novelist
1713-11-24
Quotes by Laurence Sterne
-
— I won't go about to argue the point with you,— 'tis so,— and I am persuaded of it, madam, as much as can be, That both man and woman bear pain or sorrow, (and, for aught I know, pleasure too) best in a horizontal position.
Read quote -
— all I can say of the matter, is— That he has either a pumkin for his head— or a pippin for his heart,— and whenever he is dissected 'twill be found so.
Read quote -
We don't love people so much for the good they have done us, as for the good we have done them
Read quote -
Digressions, incontestably, are the sunshine, the life, the soul of reading! Take them out and one cold eternal winter would reign in every page. Restore them to the writer - he steps forth like a bridegroom, bids them all-hail, brings in variety and forbids the appetite to fail.
Read quote -
I have undertaken, you see, to write not only my life, but my opinions also; hoping and expecting that your knowledge of my character, and of what kind of a mortal I am, by the one, would give you a better relish for the other: As you proceed further with me, the slight acquaintance which is now beginning betwixt us, will grow into familiarity; and that, unless one of us is in fault, will terminate in friendship.
Read quote -
If death, said my father, reasoning with himself, is nothing but the separation of the soul from the body;--and if it is true that people can walk about and do their business without brains,--then certes the soul does not inhabit there.
Read quote -
What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything.
Read quote -
— all I can say of the matter, is— That he has either a pumkin for his head— or a pippin for his heart,— and whenever he is dissected 'twill be found so.
Read quote -
If death, said my father, reasoning with himself, is nothing but the separation of the soul from the body;--and if it is true that people can walk about and do their business without brains,--then certes the soul does not inhabit there.
Read quote -
I have undertaken, you see, to write not only my life, but my opinions also; hoping and expecting that your knowledge of my character, and of what kind of a mortal I am, by the one, would give you a better relish for the other: As you proceed further with me, the slight acquaintance which is now beginning betwixt us, will grow into familiarity; and that, unless one of us is in fault, will terminate in friendship.
Read quote -
— I won't go about to argue the point with you,— 'tis so,— and I am persuaded of it, madam, as much as can be, That both man and woman bear pain or sorrow, (and, for aught I know, pleasure too) best in a horizontal position.
Read quote -
What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything.
Read quote -
We don't love people so much for the good they have done us, as for the good we have done them
Read quote -
Digressions, incontestably, are the sunshine, the life, the soul of reading! Take them out and one cold eternal winter would reign in every page. Restore them to the writer - he steps forth like a bridegroom, bids them all-hail, brings in variety and forbids the appetite to fail.
Read quote -
I am persuaded that every time a man smiles - but much more so when he laughs - it adds something to this fragment of life.
Read quote -
In solitude the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon itself.
Read quote -
For every ten jokes you acquire a hundred enemies.
Read quote -
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.
Read quote -
'Tis known by the name of perseverance in a good cause, and of obstinacy in a bad one.
Read quote -
Titles of honor are like the impressions on coins, which add no value to gold or silver, but only render brass current.
Read quote