Bifocals Quote by John Steinbeck
“...men in fear and hunger destroy their stomachs in the fight to secure certain food, where men hungering for love destroy everything lovable about them… In the world ruled by tigers with ulcers, rutted by strictured bulls, scavenged by blind jackals… What can it profit a man to gain the whole world and to come to his property with a gastric ulcer, a blown prostate, and bifocals?”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck, 1939
Desperate pursuit of material or status can corrupt one’s humanity, leading to physical and moral decay.
In simple terms: Pursuing wealth can ruin health and soul.
Key Takeaway
Balance ambition with well‑being.
Themes
materialism
corruption
humanity
health
existential
greed
survival
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- financial investment
- political power
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
moral decay
physical deterioration
psychological toll
Questions to Reflect On
- What values can protect you from losing humanity?
- How do you measure success beyond material gain?
A Different Perspective
Wealth may bring comfort but not fulfillment.
![“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)
