John Steinbeck

Explore 6 quotes by John Steinbeck

And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.

John Steinbeck

East of Eden

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Topic

Perfection Expectations

Author

John Steinbeck

Source

East of Eden

Medium

Novel

Language

English

Time

1952 1950s 20th century

Authentication Score 0

Citation

Steinbeck, John. East of Eden. The Viking Press, 1952, ch. 53, pt. 3.

If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

John Steinbeck

More information about this quote

Topic

Taking one's time Patience

Author

John Steinbeck

Medium

Letter

Language

English

Time

1958 1950s 20th century

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Steinbeck, John. Letter to Thom Steinbeck. 10 Nov. 1958.

A strange species we are. We can stand anything God and nature can throw at us save only plenty. If I wanted to destroy a nation, I would give it too much, and I would have it on its knees, miserable, greedy, and sick.

John Steinbeck

More information about this quote

Topic

Excess

Author

John Steinbeck

Medium

Letter

Statement Type

Paradox

Language

English

Time

1959 1950s 20th century

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Steinbeck, John. Letter to Adlai Stevenson. 5 Nov. 1959.

I know this—a man got to do what he got to do.

John Steinbeck

The Grapes of Wrath

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Topic

Survival

Author

John Steinbeck

Source

The Grapes of Wrath

Medium

Novel

Language

English

Time

1939 1930s 20th century

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. The Viking Press, 1939, ch. 18.

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.

John Steinbeck

Quoted in Cosmopolitan

More information about this quote

Topic

Ideas Creativity

Speaker

John Steinbeck

Source

Cosmopolitan

Medium

Interview Magazine

Statement Type

Metaphor, analogy and simile

Language

English

Time

1947 1940s 20th century

Authentication Score 1

Citation

Steinbeck, John. "Interview with a Best-Selling Author: John Steinbeck." Interviewed by Robert van Gelder. Cosmopolitan, Apr. 1947.

A writer lives in awe of words for they can be cruel or kind, and they can change their meanings right in front of you. They pick up flavors and odors like butter in a refrigerator.

John Steinbeck

Quoted in Paris Review

More information about this quote

Topic

Power of words Meaning of words Words

Speaker

John Steinbeck

Source

Art of Fiction interview Paris Review

Medium

Interview Magazine

Statement Type

Metaphor, analogy and simile

Language

English

Time

1954 1950s 20th century

Authentication Score 3

Citation

Steinbeck, John. "John Steinbeck, The Art of Fiction No. 45." Interviewed by Nathaniel Benchley. The Paris Review, Fall 1969. Originally was published in "In Awe of Words." Exonian, 3 Mar. 1954.