The writer must believe that what he is doing is the most important thing in the world. And he must hold to this illusion even when he knows it is not true.
~ John Steinbeck

It is the duty of the writer to lift up, to extend, to encourage. If the written word has contributed anything at all to our developing species and our half developed culture, it is this: Great writing has been a staff to lean on, a mother to consult, a wisdom to pick up stumbling folly, a strength in weakness and a courage to support sick cowardice.
~ John Steinbeck

A good writer always works at the impossible.
~ John Steinbeck

Literature is as old as speech. It grew out of human need for it, and it has not changed except to become more needed.
~ John Steinbeck

The things everyone knows are most likely to be wrong.
~ John Steinbeck

Not only the brave get killed, but the brave have a better chance of it.
~ John Steinbeck

Maybe not having time to think is not having the wish to think.
~ John Steinbeck