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.Tristram Shandy
Writing, when properly managed, is but a different name for conversation.Tristram Shandy
Few love what they may have.Walter Shandy
Digressions, incontestably, are the sunshine;—they are the life, the soul of reading!Tristram Shandy
Nothing is so perfectly amusing as a total change of ideas.Laurence Sterne
An old woman's advice is not worth much, but he who won't take it is a fool.Dr. Slop
Fame is but the breath of people, and that often unwholesome.Tristram Shandy
Our passions are like convulsion fits, which, though they make us stronger for a time, leave us the weaker ever after.Tristram Shandy
There is nothing more dissimilar than one man from another.Walter Shandy
But this is neither here nor there—why do I mention it?—Ask my pen,—it governs me,—I govern not it.Tristram Shandy
Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.Laurence Sterne
He will never have true friends who is afraid of making enemies.Tristram Shandy
'Tis as much out of the way to think a man will not falter in his argument, who does nothing else in his life but hesitate in his actions, as that he shall be eloquent without words.Walter Shandy
Every man will be melancholy who has not the command over his own thoughts; and finds by experience he can govern every other member of his body but his head.Walter Shandy
Time wastes too fast: every letter I trace tells me with what rapidity life follows my pen.Tristram Shandy