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.

Don't worry about losing. If it is right, it happens - The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.

The free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.

And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good.

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.

I believe a strong woman may be stronger than a man, particularly if she happens to have love in her heart. I guess a loving woman is indestructible.

When two people meet, each one is changed by the other so you've got two new people.

Writers are a little below clowns and a little above trained seals.

This I must fight against: any idea, religion, or government which limits or destroys the individual.

If you understand each other you will be kind to each other.

You are too important to the bigger picture to just fall off the canvas.

The sacred soul knows the sacred voice of the Great God.

The Play's the Thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King.

You are more powerful than any fearful force. Your Divine willingness can out-will any darkness that the world has ever seen.

Man's chief moral deficiency appears to be not his indiscretions but his reticence.

Just because you are blind and unable to see my beauty doesn't mean it does not exist.

Graffiti is something written on a wall, and, of course, art can be exhibited or produced anywhere: a wall is just another venue.

When you begin to think and grow rich, you will observe that riches begin with a state of mind, with definiteness of purpose, with little or no hard work.

Television is a formidable thinking tool. You are like an analyst to whom society's subconscious would be offered wide open.

Make yourself a "capacity" and I will make myself a "torrent."