Re reading East of Eden. Plan to see lots of quotes. This must be one of the most quotable books ever written. What a fine mind that man had.

"They had a tool or weapon that is also nearly gone, or perhaps it is only dormant for a while. It is argued that because they believed thoroughly in a just, moral God they could put their faith there and let the smaller securities take care of themselves. But I think that because they trusted themselves and respected themselves as individuals, because they knew beyond doubt that they were valuable and potentially moral units--because of this they could give God their own courage and dignity and then receive it back. Such things have disappeared perhaps because men do not trust themselves any more, and when that happens there is nothing left except perhaps to find some strong sure man, even though he may be wrong, and to dangle from his coattails."

"But some men are friends with the whole world in their hearts, and there are others that hate themselves and spread their hatred around like butter on hot bread."