In John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," the character advises Adam to "go through the motions" of living, suggesting that if he pretends to be alive and engaged in life, he will eventually find genuine vitality. This reflects the idea that sometimes, simply acting as if one is fully participating in life can lead to authentic experiences and feelings over time. It emphasizes the power of behavior in shaping one's reality and emotional state.

The suggestion to "act out being alive" portrays life as a performance, where initial actions may feel insincere but can eventually lead to a true sense of meaning and existence. It highlights a transformative approach to living, encouraging individuals to adopt positive behaviors even when they may not feel them internally. This message resonates with the human experience of growth and the importance of perseverance through life's challenges.