Literary notes about rigour (AI summary)
The term “rigour” appears across literature to convey both severity and precision. In historical and legal contexts, it often denotes an unyielding application of rules or discipline—for instance, authors describe the “utmost rigour” with which laws are enforced or taxes levied, highlighting a strict, almost brutal adherence to regulatory standards [1][2][3]. At the same time, “rigour” is used to evoke the stark severity of natural or existential conditions, as seen in descriptions of the harshness of the changing seasons or the inexorable force of destiny [4][5][6]. Moreover, in fields like science and philosophy, the term emphasizes meticulous attention to detail and exactitude, underscoring the disciplined approach required for sound inquiry [7][8]. Thus, “rigour” serves to enrich literary expression, imbuing narratives with a sense of strictness, whether in human institutions or in nature’s relentless power [9].
- Tithes take place in all of them, and are levied with the utmost rigour in those of Spain and Portugal.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - The rigour of the Pharisee was based on his obligation of obedience to an absolute external law.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - I do beseech your royal Majesty, Let him have all the rigour of the law.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Frightful enough, when now the rigour of seasons has also done its part, and to scarcity of work is added scarcity of food!
— from The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle - [“Bareheaded he marched in snow, exposed to pouring rain and the utmost rigour of the weather.”—Silius
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - Summer coaxes, sweet and bland, Flowers in soft vigour, At Winter’s harsh and grim command They die of ruthless rigour.
— from The Pearl Story Book: Stories and Legends of Winter, Christmas, and New Year's Day - [Pg 79] A certain absence of "needs" and wishes makes our scientific curiosity and rigour possible—this is our kind of virtue.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book I and II by Nietzsche - He had friends among the Cambridge Platonists, and he found in Newton a brilliant example of scientific rigour capped with mystical insights.
— from Some Turns of Thought in Modern Philosophy: Five Essays by George Santayana - I told you in my former letter how unhappy I should be if you died; and if you loved me, you would moderate the rigour of your austere life.
— from Letters of Abelard and Heloise by Peter Abelard and Héloïse
