Skip to content

Frightened Quote by John Steinbeck

“It is not true as is romantically presumed that people frightened or injured or persecuted are wakeful. More often than not they retire into sleep to be free of trouble for a time.” quote by John Steinbeck
Download Open image
““It is not true as is romantically presumed that people frightened or injured or persecuted are wakeful. More often than not they retire into sleep to be free of trouble for a time.””

John Steinbeck

About This Quote

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

People often escape pain by sleeping, seeking temporary relief from distress.

In simple terms: Sleep offers brief escape from trouble.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when avoidance becomes harmful.

Themes

coping stress avoidance

Mood

thoughtful empathetic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • nighttime insomnia
  • work burnout
  • personal trauma
  • grief processing

Key Concepts

psychology literature human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why might someone choose sleep over confronting issues?
  • What healthier coping mechanisms exist?
A Different Perspective

Sleep does not solve underlying problems.

3.1 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by John Steinbeck

Explore all 1,589 John Steinbeck quotes

More Frightened quotes

Browse all 1,303 Frightened quotes