Shall we for ever make new books, as apothecaries make new mixtures, by pouring only out of one vessel into another?

Shall we for ever make new books, as apothecaries make new mixtures, by pouring only out of one vessel into another?

Laurence Sterne, the renowned author of the 18th century, was known for his innovative and experimental writing style. His most famous work, "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman," is a prime example of his unconventional approach to storytelling. Sterne's work was often characterized by its digressions, metafictional elements, and playful manipulation of narrative conventions.

In the context of the quote, "Shall we for ever make new books, as apothecaries make new mixtures, by pouring only out of one vessel into another?" Sterne's work can be seen as a direct response to this idea. Sterne was not content with simply regurgitating the same old stories and tropes that had been used by countless authors before him. Instead, he sought to push the boundaries of what literature could be, challenging his readers to think differently about the nature of storytelling.

Sterne's writing was a unique blend of humor, philosophy, and experimentation. He was not afraid to break the rules of traditional narrative structure, often incorporating elements such as blank pages, marbled pages, and unconventional typography into his work. In doing so, Sterne was able to create a truly original and engaging reading experience that defied the expectations of his audience.

In many ways, Sterne's approach to writing can be seen as a rejection of the idea that literature should be a static and unchanging form. Instead, he believed that writers should constantly be pushing themselves to explore new ideas and techniques, much like apothecaries creating new mixtures. By pouring out of one vessel into another, Sterne was able to create a literary style that was truly his own, one that continues to captivate readers to this day.