Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
It is the hour of pearl—the interval between day and night when time stops and examines itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a unique moment in time that invites introspection and contemplation.
John Steinbeck's quote evokes the idea of a tranquil, ephemeral moment at twilight—this 'hour of pearl' represents a time when the day transitions into night, allowing individuals to pause and reflect upon their lives. It suggests that in these fleeting periods, people can gain insight and understanding about themselves and their place in the world, highlighting the connection between time and self-awareness.
Themes
TwilightReflectionTimeIntrospectionMoment
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about mindfulness, one could reference this quote to highlight the importance of pauses in daily life.
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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