Laurence Sterne
Laurence Sterne
Laurence Sternewas an Irish novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He wrote the novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, and also published many sermons, wrote memoirs, and was involved in local politics. Sterne died in London after years of fighting consumption...
NationalityIrish
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth24 November 1713
CountryIreland
religious differences opinion
It appears an extraordinary thing to me, that since there is such a diabolical spirit in the depravity of human nature, as persecution for difference of opinion in religious tenets, there never happened to be any inquisition, any auto da fe, any crusade, among the Pagans.
men mind body
A man's body and his mind, with the utmost reverence to both I speak it, are exactly like a jerkin and a jerkin's lining; rumple the one, you rumple the other.
water world receiving
We get forwards in the world not so much by doing services, as receiving them: you take a withering twig, and put it in the ground; and then you water it, because you have planted it.
education father knowledge
Every thing in this world, said my father, is big with jest,--and has wit in it, and instruction too,--if we can but find it out.
book reading mind
One may as well be asleep as to read for anything but to improve his mind and morals, and regulate his conduct.
strong horse farewell
When a man gives himself up to the government of a ruling passion,--or, in other words, when his HOBBY-HORSE grows head- strong,--farewell cool reason and fair discretion.
writing next firsts
I write the first sentence and trust in God for the next.
writing firsts almighty-god
I begin with writing the first sentence—and trusting to Almighty God for the second.
hands able actors
An actor should be able to create the universe in the palm of his hand.
world may trouble
We are born to trouble; and we may depend upon it, whilst we live in this world, we shall have it, though with intermissions.
mother father wish
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.
men doe funny-travel
An English man does not travel to see English men.
forgiveness brave forgiving
The brave only know how to forgive.
order matter france
"They order," said I, "this matter better in France."