Good thing Quote by John Steinbeck
““First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you. Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939
Love can be either a selfish, damaging force or a selfless, empowering one that nurtures respect and personal growth.
In simple terms: Love is either selfish or selfless, affecting us positively or negatively.
Key Takeaway
Choose selfless love to grow strength and wisdom.
Themes
love
selflessness
personal growth
respect
wisdom
Mood
reflective
hopeful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
advice
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal development
- conflict resolution
- mental health
- leadership
Key Concepts
psychology
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate selfish from selfless love?
- What actions nurture selfless love?
A Different Perspective
Selfish love can be hard to recognize and may persist despite awareness.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
