Our armies swore terribly in Flanders, cried my uncle Toby, - but nothing to this. - For my own part, I could not have a heart to curse my dog so.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker reflects on excessive swearing in war compared to his own restraint. He feels he could not even curse his own dog.
- In plain terms
- He prefers kindness even towards animals over cursing.
- What can you take from it?
- Keep your language kind even with animals.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you treat animals?
- Does your language reflect your values?
Another view
Strict restraint might feel unnatural in high stress.
More from Laurence Sterne
Great wits jump.
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Permalink to quote #18 Trust that man in nothing who has not a conscience in everything.
Permalink to quote #15
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