Children Quote by John Steinbeck
““We all have that heritage, no matter what old land our fathers left. All colors and blends of Americans have somewhat the same tendencies. It's a breed - selected out by accident. And so we're overbrave and overfearful - we're kind and cruel as children. We're overfriendly and at the same time frightened of strangers. We boast and are impressed. We're oversentimental and realistic. We are mundane and materialistic - and do you know of any other nation that acts for ideals? We eat too much. We have no taste, no sense of proportion. We throw our energy about like waste. In the old lands they say of us that we go from barbarism to decadence without an intervening culture. Can it be that our critics have not the key or the language of our culture?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The American Character, 1950s essay collection
America is a mix of contradictory traits—both noble and flawed—shaped by accident and lacking a unifying culture.
In simple terms: Americans have many mixed qualities and no single cultural guide.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and reconcile our contradictions.
Themes
national identity
culture
human nature
contradiction
society
Mood
reflective
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- social policy
- education reform
- community building
- media narratives
Key Concepts
accidental heritage
overconfidence
fear of strangers
materialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster a cohesive cultural narrative?
- What role should criticism play in shaping identity?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on contradictions can lead to fatalism.
![“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)
