- I won't argue the point with you, it is so, and I am convinced of it, madam, as much as I can be, that both men and women bear pain or sorrow, and, for all I know, pleasure too, best in a horizontal position.

- I won't argue the point with you, it is so, and I am convinced of it, madam, as much as I can be, that both men and women bear pain or sorrow, and, for all I know, pleasure too, best in a horizontal position.

📖 Laurence Sterne

🌍 Irish  |  👨‍💼 Novelist

🎂 November 24, 1713  –  ⚰️ March 18, 1768
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This quote offers a profound reflection on human experience, particularly on the way individuals contend with the spectrum of emotions and sensations—pain, sorrow, and pleasure. It suggests an acceptance of these feelings as intrinsic to our existence, emphasizing the universality of suffering and joy regardless of gender. The mention of 'horizontal position' alludes to the act of lying down or resting, perhaps symbolizing a natural or preferred stance for experiencing and processing these intense emotions. The speaker's tone carries a quiet acknowledgment of life's inevitable hardships but also hints at a certain comfort in temporarily surrendering or escaping into repose.

Historically and culturally, the notion that discomfort and bliss find their most authentic expression in repose resonates deeply. Rest is often seen as a refuge—a time when the body and mind can recuperate from life's challenges. The idea that happiness or pleasure might be better experienced in such a relaxed state also speaks to the intimate connection between physical comfort and emotional well-being.

This reflection encourages us to consider how our positions—be it literal or metaphorical—affect our capacity to endure or enjoy life’s lows and highs. It prompts introspection about the significance of rest, not merely as a physical necessity but as a vital space where our inner lives unfold most honestly. Moreover, it subtly reminds us that vulnerability and strength are intertwined; that lying down and confronting pain or joy might be the most genuine expressions of our human condition.

In a broader sense, the quote elegantly captures the cyclical nature of suffering and enjoyment, emphasizing that the natural state of being might involve a fluid oscillation between these extremes, often best experienced in the comfort of repose.

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August 21, 2025

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