Quote by John Steinbeck, Travels With Cha
Once I traveled about in an old bakery wagon, double-doored rattler with a mattress on the floor, I stopped where people stopped or gathered, I listened and looked and felt, and in the process had a picture of my country the accuracy of which was impaired only by my own shortcomings.
Summary
In this quote, the speaker recounts their experience of traveling in an old bakery wagon, observing and engaging with people they encountered along the way. The speaker explains that they stopped wherever there were gatherings or groups of people, carefully absorbing the environment. By actively listening, observing, and immersing themselves in the experiences of others, they were able to form a comprehensive understanding of their country. The speaker humbly admits that the accuracy of their perception was limited only by their own limitations and biases. The quote emphasizes the importance of personal engagement and open-mindedness in gaining a genuine and nuanced perspective on one's surroundings.