It has always seemed strange to me...The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success.

Summary

This quote, spoken by American author and activist John Steinbeck, highlights a contradiction in society's values. Steinbeck finds it peculiar that the qualities we typically admire in individuals, such as kindness, generosity, and understanding, often lead to failure within our current system. On the other hand, traits typically detested, such as greed, selfishness, and acquisitiveness, are frequently associated with success. This observation suggests a disconnect between our societal ideals and the reality of how success is often achieved, prompting reflection on the values we prioritize and the impact they have on our collective well-being.