Homage to John Steinbeck

As a lifelong reader, I know what separates, for me, good fiction from great literature. Both depend upon memorable characters and compelling plots. But the latter infuse it all with deep insight into the human condition and some implied or stated faith in the perfectibility of humanity. Not idealism, but hard-earned grace having traveled the long road of human error and fallibility.

 

Two of my favorite authors who do that masterfully are Charles Dickens and John Steinbeck. It is harder to find these qualities in modern writers, but Barbara Kingsolver comes close. Today when I stumbled into a collection of quotes from Steinbeck, I couldn’t help but remember his genius. 

 

The first four speak directly to my profession of teaching (though only the last one intentionally). Here they are, with my short comments. 

 

 

 

I’m about to record a podcast titled “M is for Mistakes” and this well describes my approach to creating a safe space where one can take risks without fear of doing things perfectly.

I’d like to think that my passion for defending teachers and children is unapologetically a roar and not a squeak.

 

 

Substitute “teacher” for writer and “education” for literature and ain’t that the truth!

 

 

Yep!

 

The next series of quotes speak directly to our troubled times. Politicians, take note. Resisters, take hope!

 

 

All the news shows is the weak and sick and ugly and quarrelsome, but there is so much more and we usually meet it out in the street when we rally. 

 

 

 Teachers, hang this in your classroom and teach accordingly. 

Though easy to lose sight of in the barrage of outrage, I feel it happening. Stay together, friends, and knit the garment of resistance!

 

I cannot wait for the funerals of so many! Please hurry up and leave this planet so we can get to work to care for it. 

 

Thank you, John Steinbeck, for your needed reminders.