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When issues of events like these my father is waiting for, are hanging in the scales of fate, the mind has the advantage of changing the principle of expectation three times, without which it would not have power to see it out. Curiosity governs the first moment; and the second moment is all economy to justify the expense of the first - and for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth moments, and so on to the day of judgment - 'tis a point of HONOUR. I need not be told, that the ethic writers have assigned this all to Patience; but that VIRTUE, methinks, has extent of domination sufficient of her own, and enough to do in it, without invading the few dismantled castles which HONOUR has left him upon the earth.

Laurence Sterne#31

EthicsPsychologyCuriosityDecision makingExpectationHonorMindset

About this quote

What does it mean?
The mind can repeatedly reconsider expectations, using curiosity, justification, and honor to drive actions, while virtue operates independently of honor.
In plain terms
Our thoughts can reshuffle expectations many times, guided by curiosity and honor, but virtue stands on its own.
What can you take from it?
Repeatedly re‑evaluate goals using curiosity and honor, but let virtue guide without needing honor.

Where it applies

  • decision making
  • long‑term projects
  • ethical dilemmas

Putting it to work

  • schedule reflection checkpoints
  • separate personal honor from moral duty

Questions to consider

  • How many times should you rethink a plan before acting?
  • Can honor ever conflict with virtue?

Another view

Too many revisions can cause analysis paralysis.

More from Laurence Sterne

  1. I believe in my conscience I intercept many a thought which heaven intended for another man.

    Permalink to quote #30
  2. L-d! said my mother, what is all this story about? - A Cock and a Bull, said Yorick - And one of the best of its kind I ever heard.

    Permalink to quote #32
  3. Ho! 'tis the time of salads.

    Permalink to quote #29

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