Steinbeck on Love

In the winter of 1958, John Steinbeck, revered author of such classics as Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, received a letter from his eldest son, Thom. 

John Steinbeck
Image via www.post-gazette.com

In the letter, the son expressed to his father that he believed he had fallen in love. Steinbeck's written response to his son is full of tenderness and wisdom. Here is an excerpt:

"There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you - of kindness and consideration and respect - not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak, but the second can release in you strength and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn't know you had."

To read John Steinbeck's full letter of warm advice to his son, go to THIS LINK.