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Dogs Quote by John Steinbeck

“But from the start I had withheld from him any information about the giant redwoods. It seemed to me that a Long Island poodle who had made his devoirs to Sequoia sempervirens or Sequoia gigantea might be set apart from other dogs--might even be like that Galahad who saw the Grail. The concept is…” quote by John Steinbeck
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““But from the start I had withheld from him any information about the giant redwoods. It seemed to me that a Long Island poodle who had made his devoirs to Sequoia sempervirens or Sequoia gigantea might be set apart from other dogs--might even be like that Galahad who saw the Grail. The concept is staggering.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

Source Book: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939

The narrator deliberately hides knowledge about redwoods, suggesting that mystery can elevate ordinary beings to heroic status.

In simple terms: Keeping secrets can make the ordinary seem extraordinary.

Key Takeaway

Use mystery to inspire awe.

Themes

secrecy heroism nature knowledge myth

Mood

curious reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • storytelling
  • teaching
  • personal growth
  • leadership

Key Concepts

literature symbolism identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truths do you conceal to protect or elevate others?
  • How does mystery shape perception of the ordinary?
A Different Perspective

Mystery may alienate or mislead if overused.

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