Skip to content

Beauty has so many charms, one knows not how to speak…

“Beauty has so many charms, one knows not how to speak against it; and when it happens that a graceful figure is the habitation of a virtuous soul, when the beauty of the face speaks out the modesty and humility of the mind, and the justness of the proportion raises our thoughts up to the heart and…” quote by Laurence Sterne
Download Open image
“Beauty has so many charms, one knows not how to speak against it; and when it happens that a graceful figure is the habitation of a virtuous soul, when the beauty of the face speaks out the modesty and humility of the mind, and the justness of the proportion raises our thoughts up to the heart and wisdom of the great Creator, something may be allowed it,--and something to the embellishments which set it off; and yet, when the whole apology is read, it will be found at last that beauty, like truth, never is so glorious as when it goes the plainest.”

Laurence Sterne

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Beauty reflects inner virtue and modesty, yet its simplest form is most glorious, surpassing ornate embellishments.

In simple terms: True beauty is simple and humble, not flashy.

Key Takeaway

Value simplicity and inner virtue.

Themes

beauty humility truth spirituality

Mood

reflective contemplative

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • art criticism
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

inner virtue modesty plainness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does simplicity reveal about true beauty?
  • How does humility shape perception?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on appearance can mask deeper values.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Laurence Sterne

Explore all 244 Laurence Sterne quotes

More Apology quotes

Browse all 1,300 Apology quotes