"A dwarf who brings a standard along with him to measure his own size, take my word, is a dwarf in more articles than one"

Laurence Sterne's quote, "A dwarf who brings a standard along with him to determine his own size, take my word, is a dwarf in more posts than one", can be interpreted as a commentary on self-perception and the constraints of self-assessment. At its core, the quote suggests that individuals who feel the requirement to continuously determine themselves against external standards often reveal more about their insecurities and insufficiencies than about any unbiased fact.

The image of a dwarf brings metaphorical weight, representing someone maybe feeling lacking or inadequate in some way. By bringing along a 'standard' to measure themselves, it implies a preoccupation with comparison and evaluation. Here, the requirement could represent societal norms, expectations, and even individual benchmarks that are utilized for self-validation.

The advice to "take my word" suggests that the speaker, possibly Sterne himself, is advising the reader to understand that a preoccupation with measurement or contrast is an indication of fundamental insecurity. This insecurity can be seen as a kind of self-diminishment, where the individual's need to confirm their worth through external ways lessens them further.

Moreover, "a dwarf in more short articles than one" implies that this state of mind is not just a physical or tangible imperfection however extends to multiple aspects of their identity. It recommends that a person who constantly measures themselves might likewise be seen as doing not have in other areas-- confidence, self-esteem, contentment, and credibility.

In more comprehensive terms, the quote urges readers to assess the significance of internal validation over external validation. Rather of relying on external standards, real development and self-respect are promoted through self-acceptance and intrinsic understanding. Sterne's knowledge therefore cautions versus the superficiality and constraints of measuring one's value through the eyes of others, advocating for a more self-assured and internally constant approach to self-regard.