No one who is young is ever going to be old.

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.

We value virtue but do not discuss it. The honest bookkeeper, the faithful wife, the earnest scholar get little of our attention compared to the embezzler, the tramp, the cheat.

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.

People are felt rather than seen after the first few moments.

Don't make everyone know about your sadness.

Riches seem to come to the poor in spirit, the poor in interest and joy. To put it straight - the very rich are a poor bunch of bastards