Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
Laurence SterneRead
Solitude is the best nurse of wisdom.
Interpretation
Solitude allows individuals to reflect and gain deeper insights, leading to wisdom.
This quote by Laurence Sterne suggests that spending time alone, or in solitude, fosters an environment conducive to reflection and contemplation. When we are alone, we can think more deeply about our experiences and thoughts, which eventually leads to greater understanding and wisdom. It highlights the value of quiet introspection in our personal growth and intellectual development.
In practice
During a motivational speech about personal development, this quote can illustrate the importance of self-reflection.
Digressions incontestably are the sunshine; they are the life, the soul of reading.
To write a book is for all the world like humming a songβbe but in tune with yourself, madam, 'tis no matter how high or how low you take it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The infinite wonders of the universe are revealed to us in exact measure as we are capable of receiving them. The keenness of our vision depends not on how much we can see, but on how much we feel.
Christian, let God's distinguishing love to you be a motive to you to fear Him greatly. He has put His fear in your heart, and may not have given that blessing to your neighbor, perhaps not to your husband, your wife, your child, or your parent. Oh, what an obligation should this thought lay upon your heart to greatly fear the Lord! Remember also that this fear of the Lord is His treasure, a choice jewel, given only to favorites, and to those who are greatly beloved.
Doubt, the essential preliminary of all improvement and discovery, must accompany the stages of man's onward progress. The faculty of doubting and questioning, without which those of comparison and judgment would be useless, is itself a divine prerogative of the reason.
Ideas are the easy part. I spend a lot of time batting them away, trying to keep them from distracting me from what I actually have to focus on and finish. A lot of times, they are a siren temptress beckoning me with the promise of a much shorter, simpler, more slender novel over the horizon, but of course that's very dangerous.
Failure to plan brings barrenness and sterility. Fate brushes man with its wings, but we make our own fate largely.
I don't believe in charmed lives. I think that tragedy is part of the lesson you learn to lift yourself up, to pick yourself up and to move on.
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