Quote#Speech
I think I can see the precise and distinguishing marks of national…
Quote byLaurence Sterne · 1713–1768
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy (1768), The Wig, Paris..
English (original)
I think I can see the precise and distinguishing marks of national characters more in these nonsensical minutiæ than in the most important matters of state; where great men of all nations talk and stalk so much alike, that I would not give ninepence to choose amongst them.
— Laurence Sterne
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I wish either my father or my mother, or indeed both of them, as they were in duty both equally bound to it, had minded what they were about when they begot me.
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So long as a man rides his hobbyhorse peaceably and quietly along the King's highway, and neither compels you or me to get up behind him — pray, Sir, what have either you or I to do with it?