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I am impatient to set out for my solitude, for there the mind gains strength and learns to lean upon herself. In the world it seeks or accepts of a few treacherous supports—the feigned compassion of one—the flattery of a second—the civilities of a third—the friendship of a fourth—they all deceive, and bring the mind back to where mine is retreating, to retirement, reflection, and books.

— Laurence Sterne

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Alone

More quotes by Laurence Sterne

Only the brave know how to forgive...A coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.

Every time a man smiles,—but much more so, when he laughs, that it adds something to this Fragment of life.

Trust that man in nothing who has not a conscience in everything.

The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1760)

Friendship is the balm and cordial of life, and without it, ’tis a heavy load not worth sustaining.

I pity the man who can travel from Dan to Beersheba and cry, 'Tis all barren!

A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy (1768)

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When, musing on companions gone,
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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Laurence Sterne (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.