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
Indians are marvelous storytellers. In some ways, that oral tradition is stronger than the written tradition.
N. Scott MomadayRead
At the point where I'm trying to force something and it's not happening, and I'm getting frustrated with, say, writing a poem, I can go and pick up the brushes and start painting. At the point where the painting seems to not be going anywhere, I go and pick up the guitar.
Joni MitchellRead
A man should dress in a way that you don't notice. He looks good and you don't know why. But it's the tailoring, the materials, and the clothes.
Michael CaineRead
It is my feeling that a story is not finished until it is read, and that the reader finishes it through his or her life experience, prejudices, worldview and thoughts.
Annie ProulxRead
A big part of making music is the discovery aspect, is the surprise aspect. That's why I think I'll always love sampling. Because it involves combining the music fandom: collecting, searching, discovering music history, and artifacts of recording that you may not have known existed and you just kind of unlock parts of your brain, you know?
GotyeRead
Everybody must have a fantasy.
Andy WarholRead