Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People seek validation for their beliefs rather than true guidance.
This quote by John Steinbeck highlights the tendency of individuals to prefer affirmation of their existing thoughts and decisions instead of receiving genuine advice or differing viewpoints. It suggests that people often seek reassurance from others, which can prevent them from considering alternative perspectives that could contribute to their growth and understanding.
Themes
AdviceCorroborationValidationBeliefsUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, someone could use this quote to explain the importance of presenting diverse perspectives.
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.
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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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It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
John SteinbeckRead
You're going to pass something down no matter what you do or if you do nothing. Even if you let yourself go fallow, the weeds will grow and the brambles. Something will grow.
John SteinbeckRead
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