Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—‘Thou mayest’— that gives a choice. It might be the most important word in the world. That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man. For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The word 'timshel' signifies humanity's ability to choose its own path and take responsibility for its actions.
In this quote, Steinbeck emphasizes the profound significance of the Hebrew word 'timshel,' which translates to 'Thou mayest.' It highlights the concept of free will and personal agency, suggesting that individuals have the power to make choices in their lives, whether to embrace or reject their potential. This notion reinforces the idea that one's destiny is not predetermined but rather shaped by one's decisions and the acceptance of responsibility that comes with them.
Themes
ChoiceFree WillResponsibilityPotentialDestiny
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speaker might use this quote to encourage individuals to take charge of their lives.
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.
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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.
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The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.
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People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
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It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
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