In poverty she is envious. In riches she may be a snob. Money does not change the sickness, only the symptoms

I don't think there is a single sentence in this whole book [East of Eden] that does not either develop character, carry on the story or provide necessary background.

I have lost all sense of home, having moved about so much. It means to me now--only that place where the books are kept.

[He] fell right into the oldest conviction in the world-- that the girl you are in love with can't possibly be anything but true and honest.

Only mediocrity escapes criticism.

I've lived in good climate, and it bores the hell out of me. I like weather rather than climate.

And the people listened, and their faces were quiet with listening. The story tellers, gathering attention into their tales, spoke in great rhythms, spoke in great words because the tales were great, and the listeners became great through them.