and have never seen.” – John Steinbeck. I read this quote from noted Author, John Steinbeck, this AM and it really impacted me. Powerful. John Steinbeck, Author of “Of Mice and Men.” East of Eden.” and Pulitzer Prize-winning “Grapes of Wrath.” I’m certain many of my readers have immersed themselves in his work. If not, I have a homework assignment for you! “I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and have never seen.” – John Steinbeck
But the quote continues and adds greater meaning
But the quote continues, and, perhaps, leaves one with a slightly different impression with the added context. Here is the entire quote:
“I wonder how many people I’ve looked at all my life and never seen. It’s scary to think about. Point of reference again. When two people meet, each one is changed by the other so you’ve got two new people.”
The Boxer – Simon & Garfunkel
For whatever reason I read the original paraphrased quote, I sought out the song, “The Boxer” by Simon and Garfunkel. I was drawn into this stanza:
“When I left my home and my family
I was no more than a boy
In the company of strangers
In the quiet of the railway station
Running scared
Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters
Where the ragged people go
Looking for the places only they would know” Simon & Garfunkel – The Boxer
I then wondered if these ‘ragged people’ – how many were looked at all their lives and – were never seen. Never seen by family? By parents? Sobering thoughts.
Recalling friendships
The complete quotation is less morose.
Words are powerful. I feel more uplifted by the full quotation. It seems to be an encouraging observation – and one I can relate to. When I meet a new person, and a relationship develops, I become someone I was not before having met this person. I recall various friendships I have had along my life journey and I was often not the same person to all people. Maybe the interaction made me more serious (difficult to imagine), or more jovial. I recall a great friendship I had with a fellow years ago. When we were together it was like Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon. We were a riot (at least in our own minds!)
I remember another good friend that I have not seen in a long while. He was so serious he would steam up the inner surfaces of his glasses. Total deadpan. But what a wit! Hilarious! Those were good times. His condition today has deteriorated to the point he is unable to recognize me. But I still have the memories and I cherish every one!
Take time to meet
To me John Steinbeck is saying how much fuller and complete life becomes when people take the time to meet. It is easy to look the other way, or to have a stare-down with your shoes in the presence of a stranger. Those awkward elevator moments? Indeed. We’ve all been there. I wonder if we left friends behind on any of those elevators?
You may by now be wondering where I am going with this post. Great question! I believe the summary is we ought to enrich our lives – and we do so by enriching the lives of others. People we have looked at all our lives but never seen. Let’s start seeing those people. It is said the best way to bring cheer into your life is to bring it into the life of another. That’s a pretty fair trade, is it not?
Closing
We meet people every day that would benefit greatly from a kind word. It takes but a moment and it’s done. Congratulations! You just made somebody’s day!! I wonder if I’ll be a ‘somebody’ today?
I just read it is healthy to be outdoors – in Nature! And if not outdoors, then indoors viewing scenes of nature. Well, I can help in that department! Take a moment to view my website, RedBarnProject.com, and get in touch with Nature! Questions? Feel free to contact me!
