Boys Quote by John Steinbeck
“Well, every little boy thinks he invented sin. Virtue we think we learn, because we are told about it. But sin is our own designing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: East of Eden, 1952
People think virtues are taught, but sin is a personal creation; morality is self‑generated.
In simple terms: Virtues are learned, sin is self‑made.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal responsibility for wrongdoing.
Themes
morality
sin
virtue
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
ethical agency
self‑construction
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we create our own flaws?
- Can virtue be taught without personal choice?
A Different Perspective
Some argue sin is also socially conditioned.
![“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)
