Writing Quote by Laurence Sterne
““our knowledge physical, metaphysical, physiological, polemical, nautical, mathematical, ænigmatical, technical, biographical, romantical, chemical, and obstetrical, with fifty other branches of it, (most of ’em ending, as these do, in ical) have, for these two last centuries and more, gradually been creeping upwards towards that Aκμ4 of their perfections, from which, if we may form a conjecture from the advances of these last seven years, we cannot possibly be far off. When that happens, it is to be hoped, it will put an end to all kind of writings whatsoever;—the want of all kind of writing will put an end to all kind of reading;—and that in time, As war begets poverty, poverty peace,5——must, in course, put an end to all kind of knowledge,—and then——we shall have all to begin over again; or, in other words, be exactly where we started. ———Happy! thrice””
About This Quote
Source Book: Tristram Shandy, 1759
The quote suggests that as knowledge expands across many fields, humanity approaches a perfect understanding that could render writing and reading obsolete, leading to a cyclical restart of knowledge.
In simple terms: Advancing knowledge may eventually make current forms of writing and reading unnecessary, causing a reset.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of knowledge and value simple living.
Themes
knowledge
progress
cyclical
humility
technology
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- education reform
- digital media consumption
- environmental policy
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
epistemology
philosophy
history of ideas
Questions to Reflect On
- Will humanity truly stop creating new ideas?
- How can we balance progress with humility?
A Different Perspective
It may overestimate the speed of convergence and ignore the value of ongoing discourse.
