1,374 Quotes by John Steinbeck

Ghosts could walk freely tonight, without fear of the disbelief of men; for this night was haunted, and it would be an insensitive man who did not know it.

They collected souls as they collected jewels.

Tell 'em to God. Don' go burdenin' other people with your sins. That ain't decent.

Sure I got sins. Ever'body got sins. A sin is somepin you ain't sure about. Them people that's sure about ever'thing an' ain't got no sin-- well, with that kind a son-of-a-bitch, if I was God I'd kick their ass right outa heaven! I couldn' stand 'em!

He thought of the virtues of courage and forbearance, which become flabby when there is nothing to use them on.

Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.

Death was a friend, and sleep was Death's brother.

We gather our arms full of guilt as though it were precious stuff. It must be that we want it that way.

Give me a used Bible and I will, I think, be able to tell you about a man by the places that are edged with the dirt of seeking fingers.