Laurence Sterne

A Sentimental Journey Laurence Sterne

Book Excerpt: ...ll a lottery;--and even where the adventurer is successful, the acquired stock must be used with caution and sobriety, to turn to any profit: --but, as the chances run prodigiously the other way, both as to the acquisition and application, I am of opinion, That a man would act as wisely, if he could prevail upon himself to live contented without foreign knowledge or foreign improvements, especially if he lives in a country that has no absolute want of either;--and indeed, much grief of heart has it oft and many a time cost me, when I have observed how many a foul step the Inquisitive Traveller has measured to see sights and look into discoveries; all which, as Sancho Panza said to Don Quixote, they might have seen dry-shod at home. It is an age so full of light, that there is scarce a country or corner in Europe whose beams are not crossed and interchanged with others.--Knowledge in most of its branches, and in most affairs, is like music in an Italian street, whereof those may partake who pay nothing.--But...