It has always seemed strange to me," said Doc. "The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second.
In the quote by Doc from John Steinbeck's works, he expresses a paradox in human values and societal success. He observes that traits such as kindness, honesty, and empathy, which society values highly, often lead to failure within the competitive framework of the social system. This contradiction highlights a deeper critique of the values celebrated in capitalistic societies, where cutthroat traits like greed and self-interest are rewarded.
Doc's reflection unveils the complex dynamics between admiration for virtuous qualities and the allure of success as defined by material gains. Steinbeck's exploration of this theme prompts readers to consider the moral implications of a society that equates success with negative traits, raising questions about the true essence of human values and the costs of achieving success in such an environment.
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Other quotes in The Short Novels: Tortilla Flat / The Moon is Down / The Red Pony / Of Mice and Men / Cannery Row / The Pearl
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
