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About this quote

What does it mean?
Discontent comes from internal voids that physical comfort cannot fill, and time worsens this.
In plain terms
You can be fed and warm but still feel empty and unhappy over time.
What can you take from it?
External comfort does not cure internal discontent.

Where it applies

  • existential crises
  • self-reflection
  • daily life

Putting it to work

  • reflect on desires
  • seek meaning

Questions to consider

  • What truly satisfies the human desire?
  • How does time affect your happiness?

Another view

It suggests discontent is inevitable which may not be true for everyone.

More from John Steinbeck

  1. Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass.

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  2. In my heart there may be doubt that I deserve the Nobel award over other men of letters whom I hold in respect and reverence - but there is no question of my p…

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  3. There are no ugly questions except those clothed in condescension.

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