Laurence Sterne quotes

Laurence Sterne was an Anglo-Irish novelist and clergyman, best known for his work "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman." His experimental writing style and wit had a significant influence on the development of the modern novel. He is regarded as one of the most innovative literary figures of the eighteenth century. Here are 99 of his quotes:

The desire of knowledge, like the thirst of riches, increases ever with the acquisition of it. (Laurence Sterne)

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

Laurence Sterne

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

Laurence Sterne

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

Laurence Sterne

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

Laurence Sterne

For every ten jokes, thou hast got a hundred enemies.

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

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

The history of a soldier's wound beguiles the pain of it.

Laurence Sterne

So long as a man rides his Hobby-Horse peaceably and quietly along the King's highway, and neither compels you or me to get up behind him -- pray, Sir, what have either you or I to do with it.

Laurence Sterne

Trust that man in nothing who has not a conscience in everything. (Laurence Sterne)

They order, said I, this matter better in France.

Laurence Sterne

A man should know something of his own country too, before he goes abroad.

Laurence Sterne

I am sick as a horse.

Laurence Sterne

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

Laurence Sterne

God tempers the wind, said Maria, to the shorn lamb.

Laurence Sterne

Tis known by the name of perseverance in a good cause - and of obstinacy in a bad one.

Laurence Sterne

The accusing spirit, which flew up to heaven's chancery with the oath, blushed as he gave it in and the recording angel as he wrote it down dropped a tear upon the word and blotted it out forever.

Laurence Sterne

Go, poor devil, get thee gone Why should I hurt thee This world surely is wide enough to hold both thee and me.

Laurence Sterne

Courtship consists in a number of quiet attentions, not so pointed as to alarm, nor so vague as not to be understood.

Laurence Sterne

Now or never was the time. (Laurence Sterne)

Great wits jump.

Laurence Sterne

Human nature is the same in all professions.

Laurence Sterne

Shall we for ever make new books, as apothecaries make new mixtures, by pouring only out of one vessel into another?

Laurence Sterne

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.

Laurence Sterne

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Laurence Sterne

Laurence Sterne - Image

Occupation: Anglo-Irish Novelist
Born: November 24, 1713
Died: March 18, 1768
Quotes count: 99
Wikipedia: Laurence Sterne

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