[Man] is the only animal who lives outside of himself, whose drive is in external thingsโproperty, houses, money, concepts of power. He lives in his cities and his factories, in his business and job and art. But having projected himself into these external complexities, he is them. His house, his automobile are a part of him and a large part of him. This is beautifully demonstrated by a thing doctors knowโthat when a man loses his possessions a very common result is sexual impotence.
John SteinbeckFearful and unprepared, we have assumed lordship over the life or death of the whole world, of all living things.
John SteinbeckI know people who are so immersed in road maps that they never see the countryside they pass through, and others who, having traced a route, are held to it as though held by flanged wheels to rails.
John SteinbeckThe last clear definite function of menโmuscles aching to work, minds aching to create beyond the single needโthis is man.
John SteinbeckI think the difference between a lie and a story is that a story utilizes the trappings and appearance of truth for the interest of the listener as well as of the teller. A story has in it neither gain nor loss. But a lie is a device for profit or escape. I suppose if that definition is strictly held to, then a writer of stories is a liar - if he is financially fortunate.
John Steinbeck