Said Charm Quote by John Steinbeck
““He said he was not afraid because years before a witch doctor gave him a charm against evil spirits. "Let me see that charm," I asked. "It's words," he said. "It's a word charm." "Can you say them to me?" "Sure," he said and he droned, "In nomine Patris et Filli et Spiritus Sancti." "What does it mean?" He raised his shoulder. "I don't know," he said. "It's a charm against evil spirits so I am not afraid of them." I've dredged this conversation out of a strange-sounding Spanish but there is no doubt one of his charm, and it worked for him.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939
A man feels safe because he believes a spoken prayer protects him from harm, even though he doesn't understand its meaning.
In simple terms: He trusts a word prayer for protection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of belief over understanding.
Themes
faith
superstition
psychology
protection
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
cultural
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal anxiety
- spiritual coping
- cultural rituals
Key Concepts
cultural belief
ritual language
psychological safety
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on rituals you don't understand?
- How does belief affect fear?
A Different Perspective
Belief may not replace knowledge or critical thinking.
![“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)
