1,374 Quotes by John Steinbeck

For there are two possible reactions to social ostracism – either a man emerges determined to be better, purer, and kindlier or he goes bad, challenges the world and does even worse things. The last is by far the commonest reaction to stigma.

Don’t ever ask directions of a Maine native,” I was told. “Why ever not?” “Somehow we think it is funny to misdirect people and we don’t smile when we do it, but we laugh inwardly. It is our nature.” I wonder if that is true. I could never test it, because through my own efforts I am lost most of the time without any help from anyone.

It takes great courage to back truth unacceptable to our times.

Yeah,” said George. “I’ll come. But listen, Curley. The poor bastard’s nuts. Don’t shoot ‘im. He di’n’t know what he was doin’.

If a man ordered a beer milkshake he’d better do it in a town where he wasn’t known.

A man who tells secrets or stories must think of who is hearing or reading, for a story has as many versions as it has readers.

It isn’t like the rest of the country – it is like a nation itself – more tolerant than the rest in a curious way. Littleness gets swallowed up here. All the viciousness that makes other cities vicious is sucked up and absorbed in New York.

Love and fighting, and a little wine. Then you are always young, always happy.

Don’t make everyone know about your sadness.