Skip to content

What is the life of man! Is it not to shift from side to…

“What is the life of man! Is it not to shift from side to side? From sorrow to sorrow? To button up one cause of vexation! And unbutton another!” quote by Laurence Sterne
Download Open image
“What is the life of man! Is it not to shift from side to side? From sorrow to sorrow? To button up one cause of vexation! And unbutton another!”

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.

Life is a series of emotional shifts, constantly moving between joys and sorrows, with new problems replacing old ones.

In simple terms: Life constantly changes emotions and problems.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's ebb and flow.

Themes

human nature existence emotions change

Mood

reflective wry

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career transitions
  • grieving process

Key Concepts

impermanence resilience humor

Questions to Reflect On

  • What patterns of change do you notice in your life?
  • How can humor help navigate emotional swings?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex life experiences.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Laurence Sterne

Explore all 244 Laurence Sterne quotes

More Life quotes

Browse all 265,290 Life quotes