In John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," the author reflects on the essence of humanity and the significance of struggle. He suggests that the act of enduring hardship, symbolized by falling bombs, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The presence of conflict and suffering indicates that people are still fighting for their beliefs, which distinguishes humanity in the universe.

Steinbeck warns against a time when people stop confronting challenges and sacrificing for their ideals, as this would mean a loss of a vital human quality. The struggle for concepts and values is portrayed as fundamental to the identity of humanity. When individuals no longer stand for something worth suffering for, it signifies a disconnection from the very essence of what it means to be human.