John Steinbeck’s words always seem to strike a chord. His lines from classics like Of Mice and Men and East of Eden aren’t just beautifully written – they’re spot on about life, people, and the world we live in. So here are 10 quotes from Steinbeck’s books that’ll make you nod in agreement, maybe chuckle, and definitely think a little deeper.
1. “I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen.”
― The Winter of Our Discontent
2. “Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”
― Of Mice and Men
3. “Do you take pride in your hurt? Does it make you seem large and tragic? Well, think about it. Maybe you’re playing a part on a great stage with only yourself as audience.”
― East of Eden
4. “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”
― East of Eden
5. “A kind of light spread out from her. And everything changed color. And the world opened out. And a day was good to awaken to. And there were no limits to anything. And the people of the world were good and handsome. And I was not afraid any more.”
― East of Eden
6. “My imagination will get me a passport to hell one day.”
― East of Eden
7. “If you’re in trouble, or hurt or need – go to the poor people. They’re the only ones that’ll help – the only ones.”
― The Grapes of Wrath
8. “Anything that just costs money is cheap.”
― East of Eden
9. “People like you to be something, preferably what they are.”
― East of Eden
10. “I shall revenge myself in the cruelest way you can imagine. I shall forget it.”
― The Winter of Our Discontent
11. “There ain’t no sin and there ain’t no virtue. There’s just stuff people do.”
― The Grapes of Wrath
12. “I wonder why progress looks so much like destruction.”
― Travels with Charley
13. “No one who is young is ever going to be old.”
― East of Eden
And there you have it, 13 of Steinbeck’s finest. Got a favorite? Share it and tag The Rockle on social media—we’d love to see which ones resonate with you! And if you’re in the mood for more literary gems, check out our other quote collections:
🔖 Oscar Wilde: 20 Timeless Quotes
🔖 Thought-Provoking James Baldwin Quotes
🔖 Emily Dickinson: Heartfelt Quotes & Verses
🔖 Charles Bukowski: Raw & Powerful Quotes
🔖 Ernest Hemingway: 10 Beautiful Insights
🔖 Jorge Luis Borges’ Literary Magic in 10 Quotes
🔖 J.D. Salinger’s Most Memorable Quotes
Happy reading, fellow word nerds!