Death Quote by Laurence Sterne
“If there is an evil in this world, it is sorrow and heaviness of heart. The loss of goods, of health, of coronets and mitres, is only evil as they occasion sorrow; take that out, the rest is fancy, and dwelleth only in the head of man.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne, 1759
Sorrow and heaviness of heart are the true evils; material losses cause pain only because they trigger sorrow, which exists in the mind.
In simple terms: Heart sorrow is the real evil; material loss only hurts because it makes us sad.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner peace to lessen suffering.
Themes
sorrow
heart
material loss
mind
philosophy
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- health setbacks
- financial hardship
- personal loss
Key Concepts
existentialism
stoicism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you detach joy from material possessions?
- What practices help lighten a heavy heart?
A Different Perspective
Material wealth cannot guarantee happiness; emotional resilience is needed.
