Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together

Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together

Laurence Sterne, the renowned 18th-century novelist and clergyman, was known for his wit, humor, and keen observations of human nature. In his works, Sterne often delved into the complexities of morality, virtue, and vice, exploring the darker aspects of human behavior with a sharp eye and a satirical touch. One of his most famous quotes, "Keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness, than all other holes in this world put together," encapsulates his understanding of the human propensity for curiosity, voyeurism, and moral transgression.

Sterne's statement about keyholes speaks to the idea that the act of peering into the private lives of others can lead to moral corruption and wrongdoing. Keyholes, traditionally used to spy on others or gain access to forbidden knowledge, symbolize the temptation to indulge in illicit activities and invade the privacy of others. By suggesting that keyholes are the occasions of more sin and wickedness than any other holes in the world, Sterne highlights the dangers of prying into the affairs of others and the potential for moral decay that comes with such behavior.