In John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," the character Samuel expresses a profound thought about human desire. He suggests that no matter how much one has, there is a limit to satisfaction that material abundance cannot fulfill. This notion reflects the deeper complexities of human nature and the insatiable nature of appetite, indicating that some yearnings go beyond the physical realm.

This idea serves as a critique of the belief that wealth or possessions can lead to true happiness. Instead, Steinbeck emphasizes that inner fulfillment and spiritual contentment are essential to human existence, positioning emotional and psychological satisfaction as vital elements that material goods alone cannot provide.