Destined Quote by Laurence Sterne
“Shall we be destined to the days of eternity, on holy-days, as well as working-days, to be showing the relics of learning, as monks do the relics of their saints - without working one - one single miracle with them?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Tristram Shandy, 1759
The quote questions whether we are doomed to spend our lives merely displaying knowledge like relics without actually creating miracles.
In simple terms: It warns against valuing display over action.
Key Takeaway
Focus on creating, not just showing.
Themes
knowledge
action
miracles
religion
criticism
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- academic life
- religious practice
- creative work
- public speaking
Key Concepts
epistemology
authenticity
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you prioritize showing knowledge over using it?
- How can we balance reverence for tradition with innovation?
A Different Perspective
It may overgeneralize the role of scholars and monks.
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
