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The Hebrew word, the word timshel - 'Thou mayest' - that…

“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...Why, that makes a man great...He can choose his course and fight it through and win...I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human…” quote by John Steinbeck
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“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...Why, that makes a man great...He can choose his course and fight it through and win...I have a new love for that glittering instrument, the human soul. It is a lovely and unique thing in the universe. It is always attacked and never destroyed - because 'Thou mayest'. ch 24”

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The word “timshel” signifies human free will to choose good or evil, making life open to moral agency.

In simple terms: Free will lets us choose our path.

Key Takeaway

Embrace responsibility for choices.

Themes

free will choice morality human nature

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • ethical decision making
  • overcoming adversity

Key Concepts

existentialism ethical agency literary symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does recognizing free will affect your actions?
  • What responsibilities come with having choice?
A Different Perspective

Choice does not guarantee success without effort.

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