Laurence Sterne Quotes

Author Image

Laurence Sterne

Profession : Novelist

Birth : November 24, 1713

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

Laurence Sterne

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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