And this you can know- fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe (151).
While Steinbeck was writing about the struggles of laborers to organize together, his overarching message is about the dangers of a world of complacent people who are unwilling to sacrifice themselves for an idea. Without trailblazers to pave the way for eventual change, society comes to a standstill because progress is a direct result from changes to the status quo. Despite obstacles and difficult sacrifices, the hardwired desire for improvements has fueled people to dedicate themselves to a cause for centuries.
When I read the quote, I found myself agreeing with Steinbeck's argument that people who champion causes are to be celebrated instead of feared by the rest of society. The quote brought to mind people who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of communities. A present-day connection is the plight of Tibetan monks who are trying to overthrow Chinese occupation in Tibet. Some of the monks have self-immolated in order to bring their struggles to international attention. The sacrifices that people make in order to further a cause that they will not directly benefit from is commendable. Though the monks who have killed themselves in protest of the oppressive rule will never see their dream of an independent Tibet fulfilled during their lifetimes, their selfless actions sparks fiery emotions in others, who will feel impassioned to continue the cause.
In The Grapes of Wrath, the need for peoples' sacrifices in order to make changes shows the importance of not only selflessness, but human unity. Steinbeck argues that people cannot champion a cause alone and that having multiple people creates a sense of unity that propels a movement. The laborers that strike against the landowners are bonded together through their mutual fight, and feel less afraid than if they were alone. In addition, the quote foreshadows that an organization of people is going to happen, because there are many parallels between the intercalary chapters and the chapters about the Joads. The migrants' fierce protectiveness of their communities coupled with the poor treatment of laborers in California may be catalysts that will trigger a creation of a labor union.
When I read the quote, I found myself agreeing with Steinbeck's argument that people who champion causes are to be celebrated instead of feared by the rest of society. The quote brought to mind people who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of communities. A present-day connection is the plight of Tibetan monks who are trying to overthrow Chinese occupation in Tibet. Some of the monks have self-immolated in order to bring their struggles to international attention. The sacrifices that people make in order to further a cause that they will not directly benefit from is commendable. Though the monks who have killed themselves in protest of the oppressive rule will never see their dream of an independent Tibet fulfilled during their lifetimes, their selfless actions sparks fiery emotions in others, who will feel impassioned to continue the cause.
In The Grapes of Wrath, the need for peoples' sacrifices in order to make changes shows the importance of not only selflessness, but human unity. Steinbeck argues that people cannot champion a cause alone and that having multiple people creates a sense of unity that propels a movement. The laborers that strike against the landowners are bonded together through their mutual fight, and feel less afraid than if they were alone. In addition, the quote foreshadows that an organization of people is going to happen, because there are many parallels between the intercalary chapters and the chapters about the Joads. The migrants' fierce protectiveness of their communities coupled with the poor treatment of laborers in California may be catalysts that will trigger a creation of a labor union.
