Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more. And this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans constantly seek more and are never fully satisfied, which is what distinguishes them from animals.
In this quote, John Steinbeck reflects on the human tendency to seek more than what they currently have. While this trait is often viewed negatively, he suggests that it is actually a remarkable quality that signifies human superiority over animals, who are content with their circumstances. This relentless pursuit of improvement and dissatisfaction drives progress and innovation in human society.
Themes
SatisfactionHumansProgressImprovementDesire
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about innovation, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of ambition.
More from John Steinbeck
All quotes →At one point, as Samuel urges Adam to raise his boys well regardless of the blood that might be in them, Adam tells him, "You can't make a race horse of a pig." Samuel replies, "No, but you can make a very fast pig.
John SteinbeckRead
And when that crop grew, and was harvested, no man had crumbled a hot clod in his fingers and let the earth sift past his fingertips. No man had touched the seed, or lusted for the growth. Men ate what they had not raised, had no connection with the bread. The land bore under iron, and under iron gradually died; for it was not loved or hated, it had no prayers or curses.
John SteinbeckRead
The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.
John SteinbeckRead
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
John SteinbeckRead
It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
John SteinbeckRead
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