"In all unmerciful actions, the worst of men pay this compliment at least to humanity, as to endeavour to wear as much of the appearance of it, as the case will well let them"

Laurence Sterne's quote assesses the complex relationship between look and morality in human behavior. The declaration recommends that even in the most ruthless actions, individuals who participate in such behaviors typically seek to keep an exterior of humanity. This indicates an ingrained acknowledgment of moral standards, even amongst those who act unethically.

The phrase "unmerciful actions" alludes to habits that lack empathy, compassion, or empathy. These could be acts of cruelty or oppression. Sterne recommends that even those committing such actions feel an intrinsic pressure to comply with societal standards of decency or morality. This conformity manifests through their attempts to keep "the appearance of it," indicating people want to be seen, or a minimum of not publicly condemned, as ethically upright in spite of their actions.

Sterne uses the term "compliment" in a rather cynical sense. A "compliment" paid to humankind by the worst of males recommends an insincere gesture. Basically, by pretending to be gentle, they acknowledge through their actions that humankind is a valued quality-- a requirement versus which they are weighed and to which they involuntarily conform, if just ostensibly.

This suggests that the need to appear ethical is deeply ingrained in humanity. It functions as a social currency that even the most immoral people acknowledge as important. This habits might serve to prevent social ostracism or personal guilt, indicating a recommendation, however reluctant or shallow, of an internal ethical compass.

Hence, Sterne's observation reveals the complex duality where human beings, familiar with their ethical failings, still seek social acceptance through the camouflage of humane actions. This reflects both a recognition of ethical values and a critique of the performative nature of morality in society. In essence, Sterne is discussing the human tendency to mask our defects to line up with social expectations, revealing both a respect for moral perfects and a review of human duplicity.