Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that guilt and accusations can lead to shame, and that forgiveness can erase the burden of wrongdoing.
Laurence Sterne's quote reflects on the nature of guilt and the profound impact of forgiveness. It illustrates the idea that when one accuses another, there is often a feeling of shame attached, both to the accuser and the act itself. The imagery of a recording angel shedding a tear conveys the notion that true remorse can lead to divine forgiveness, erasing the record of our transgressions. Ultimately, it encourages contemplation of the consequences of our accusations and the peace that comes with absolution.
Themes
GuiltForgivenessAccusationShameDivineRemorse
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the healing power of forgiveness, this quote can serve as an illustration of how letting go of accusations can lead to peace.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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