Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Living in solitude can lead to a deep connection with the divine or the universe.
This quote reflects the idea that true companionship can come from a spiritual connection rather than physical presence. The hermit's statement implies that even in isolation, one can find solace and companionship in a higher power or the natural world around them, suggesting that our relationship with the universe or Providence is enough to sustain us.
Themes
SolitudeHermitProvidenceIsolationSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about the benefits of solitude and self-reflection.
More from Laurence Sterne
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Solitude is the best nurse of wisdom.
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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.
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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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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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