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Coordination Quote by John Steinbeck

“Among men, it seems, historically at any rate, the processes of coordination and disintegration follow each other with great regularity, and the index of the coordination is the measure of the disintegration which follows. There is no mob like a group of well-drilled soldiers when they have thrown…” quote by John Steinbeck
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““Among men, it seems, historically at any rate, the processes of coordination and disintegration follow each other with great regularity, and the index of the coordination is the measure of the disintegration which follows. There is no mob like a group of well-drilled soldiers when they have thrown off their discipline. And there is no lostness like that which comes to a man when a perfect and certain pattern has dissolved about him. There is no hater like one who has greatly loved.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Grapes of Wrath, 1939, novel commentary

Coordination and disintegration are linked; loss of order creates chaos, while love can become hatred.

In simple terms: Order and chaos are intertwined; love can turn to hate.

Key Takeaway

Balance structure with compassion.

Themes

society order chaos human nature love hate

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • organizational management
  • community building
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

systems theory psychology social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What maintains coordination in groups?
  • How does love transform into hatred?
A Different Perspective

Human behavior is unpredictable; structures can fail.

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