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About this quote

What does it mean?
Steinbeck questions whether identity and existence rely on our continuous life experience and history.
In plain terms
We need our lives and past to know who we are.
What can you take from it?
Our history defines our identity.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debate
  • personal crisis
  • historical reflection

Putting it to work

  • journaling
  • life review
  • identity work

Questions to consider

  • What defines your sense of self?
  • Can you exist without memory?

Another view

One could argue identity exists independent of specific past events.

More from John Steinbeck

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  2. Our species is the only creative species, and it has only one creative instrument, the individual mind and spirit of a man. Nothing was ever created by two men…

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  3. You ain't worth a greased lack pin to ram you into hell. Ch.6, p.101

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