Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
So many old and lovely things are stored in the world's attic because we don't want them around us and we don't dare throw them out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how we hold onto memories and objects we no longer use but find sentimental value in.
John Steinbeckβs quote highlights the notion that we often keep old and cherished items, not necessarily because we need them, but because they carry memories and cultural significance. This 'attic' of emotions and nostalgia represents both our reluctance to let go of the past and the beauty inherent in our history, even if it no longer serves a practical purpose in our lives.
Themes
MemoriesNostalgiaSentimentalityOld ThingsPast
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of preserving history.
More from John Steinbeck
All quotes βAt 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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