Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes seeking help from those who understand hardship, particularly the poor, as they are often more generous and compassionate.
John Steinbeckβs quote highlights the idea that true empathy and assistance often come from those who have experienced difficulties themselves. It suggests that in times of trouble, rather than seeking help from those who are more affluent or distant, one should turn to those who are poor, as they are likely to be more willing to help and show compassion, having faced their own struggles. This insight reflects a profound understanding of human connection and the bonds formed through shared experiences of hardship.
Themes
HelpCompassionPovertyRelationshipsEmpathySupport
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might say, 'As John Steinbeck wisely noted, if you're in trouble, remember to go to the poor people for help.'
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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