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.
Laurence SterneRead
Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Digressions in literature enhance the reading experience by adding depth and enjoyment.
This quote by Laurence Sterne emphasizes the importance of digressions in literature, suggesting that wandering off the main topic adds richness and vitality to reading. Rather than being distractions, these diversions contribute to the soul of a text, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable for the reader.
Themes
DigressionsReadingLiteratureEnjoymentLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about creative writing, one could illustrate the importance of digressions by quoting Sterne.
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
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