I have always lived violently, drunk hugely, eaten too much or not at all, slept around the clock or missed two nights of sleeping, worked too hard and too long in glory, or slobbed for a time in utter laziness. I've lifted, pulled, chopped, climbed, made love with joy and taken my hangovers as a consequence, not as a punishment.
In his book "Travels with Charley," John Steinbeck reflects on a life lived with intensity and extremes. He describes his experiences with various aspects of life, including excessive drinking, overeating, and fluctuating work habits. Steinbeck acknowledges the contrasts in his lifestyle, oscillating between bursts of productivity and periods of inactivity, which illustrate his adventurous spirit and zest for living.
The quote encapsulates his approach to life's pleasures and consequences, where he embraces both joy and the inevitable aftermath of his choices. Rather than seeing hangovers as punishments, he views them as part of the rich tapestry of experience, highlighting a philosophy of embracing life's highs and lows with acceptance.
