Time Quote by John Steinbeck
““fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939
The quote warns that losing personal sacrifice for abstract ideas erodes true humanity, which is defined by self‑suffering for a cause.
In simple terms: Self‑sacrifice defines humanity; abandoning it empties us.
Preserve personal sacrifice as core identity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- war
- political activism
- personal crisis
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What causes you to sacrifice yourself?
- Is sacrifice always noble?
It may romanticize suffering without addressing its costs.