To write a book is for all the world like humming a song

To write a book is for all the world like humming a song

Laurence Sterne, the renowned author of the 18th century, once famously said, “To write a book is for all the world like humming a song.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Sterne’s unique and whimsical approach to storytelling, as well as his belief in the power of literature to captivate and enchant readers.

Sterne was a master of the art of storytelling, known for his experimental and innovative narrative techniques. His most famous work, “The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman,” is a prime example of his unconventional style. In this novel, Sterne breaks away from traditional linear storytelling and instead presents the reader with a series of digressions, asides, and metafictional elements. The result is a work that is both playful and thought-provoking, challenging the reader to think about the nature of storytelling and the construction of narrative.

In the context of Sterne’s work, the comparison of writing a book to humming a song takes on a deeper meaning. Just as humming a song is a spontaneous and instinctual act of creativity, so too is the act of writing a book. Sterne believed that writing should be a joyful and liberating experience, a way to express oneself freely and authentically. Like a song that flows effortlessly from the lips of a singer, a book should flow naturally from the mind of the author, unencumbered by rules or conventions.

Furthermore, Sterne’s comparison of writing to humming a song speaks to the universal appeal of storytelling. Just as a song can transcend language and cultural barriers to touch the hearts of listeners around the world, so too can a book resonate with readers of all backgrounds and experiences. Sterne understood the power of storytelling to connect people, to inspire empathy and understanding, and to create a sense of shared humanity.