The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.

Quote by John Steinbeck

Topics: John Steinbeck Quotes

I hate cameras. They are so much more sure than I am about everything.

I hate cameras. They are so much more sure than I am about everything.

Time is the only critic without ambition.

Time is the only critic without ambition.

If you're in trouble, or hurt or need - go to the poor people. They're...

If you're in trouble, or hurt or need - go to the poor people. They're...

It has always seemed strange to me... the things we admire in men, kindness and...

It has always seemed strange to me... the things we admire in men, kindness and...

The discipline of the written word punishes both stupidity and dishonesty.

The discipline of the written word punishes both stupidity and dishonesty.

Where does discontent start? You are warm enough, but you shiver. You are fed, yet...

Where does discontent start? You are warm enough, but you shiver. You are fed, yet...

The profession of book-writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business.

The profession of book-writing makes horse racing seem like a solid, stable business.

Maybe its like this, Max--you know how, when you are working on a long and...

Maybe its like this, Max--you know how, when you are working on a long and...

Sectional football games have the glory and the despair of war, and when a Texas...

Sectional football games have the glory and the despair of war, and when a Texas...

I hold that a writer who does not passionately believe in the perfectibility of man...

I hold that a writer who does not passionately believe in the perfectibility of man...

A sad soul can kill quicker than a germ.

A sad soul can kill quicker than a germ.

Man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, then steps...

Man is the only kind of varmint sets his own trap, baits it, then steps...

No one wants advice - only corroboration.

No one wants advice - only corroboration.

We spend our time searching for security and hate it when we get it.

We spend our time searching for security and hate it when we get it.

Four hoarse blasts of a ship's whistle still raise the hair on my neck and...

Four hoarse blasts of a ship's whistle still raise the hair on my neck and...

When I was very young and the urge to be someplace was on me, I...

When I was very young and the urge to be someplace was on me, I...

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.

In utter loneliness a writer tries to explain the inexplicable.

In utter loneliness a writer tries to explain the inexplicable.

These words dropped into my childish mind as if you should accidentally drop a ring...

These words dropped into my childish mind as if you should accidentally drop a ring...

I have owed you this letter for a very long time-but my fingers have avoided...

I have owed you this letter for a very long time-but my fingers have avoided...