Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
Laurence SterneRead
To write a book is for all the world like humming a song—be but in tune with yourself, madam, 'tis no matter how high or how low you take it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing a book is like singing; it requires authenticity and personal expression.
In this quote, Laurence Sterne emphasizes that the essence of writing a book lies in being true to oneself, much like singing a song that resonates with personal feelings and thoughts. Regardless of the complexity or simplicity of the work, what matters most is that the writer connects deeply with their own emotions and experiences.
Themes
WritingAuthenticityExpressionCreativityBooks
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about creativity, you might use this quote to emphasize the importance of personal authenticity in the artistic process.
More from Laurence Sterne
All quotes →Solitude is the best nurse of wisdom.
Laurence SterneRead
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 SterneRead
I'll not hurt thee, says Uncle Toby, rising with the fly in his hand. Go, he says, opening the window to let it escape. Why should I hurt thee? This world is surely wide enough to hold both thee and me.
Laurence SterneRead
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 SterneRead
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 SterneRead
Similar quotes
Right from the beginning, I always strived to capture everything I saw as completely as possible.
Norman RockwellRead
Perhaps things are most beautiful when they are not quite real; when you look upon a scene as an outsider, and come to possess it in its entirety and forever; when you live in the present with the lucidity and feeling of memory; when, for want of connection, the world deepens and becomes art.
Mark HelprinRead
Being a Negro writer these days is a racket and I'm going to make the most of it while it lasts. About twice a year I sell a story. It is acclaimed. I am a genius in the making. Thank God for this Negro literary renaissance. Long may it flourish
Wallace ThurmanRead
As an artist, you make music. And if you see people who don't know how to market your music, you get involved in it. Otherwise, what you want to accomplish 'gets lost in translation' - no pun intended.
Jay-ZRead
If you are a new, upcoming designer, you've got to think of new, cool ways to make the industry look at you. Don't just get stuck in a rut, show your clothes, and be like, 'You should like this.'
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It doesn't matter if your lead character is good or bad. He just has to be interesting, and he has to be good at what he does.
David ChaseRead