I think the difference between a lie and a story is that a story utilizes the trappings and appearance of truth for the interest of the listener as well as of the teller. A story has in it neither gain nor loss. But a lie is a device for profit or escape. I suppose if that definition is strictly held to, then a writer of stories is a liar - if he is financially fortunate.
("East of Eden")
More Quotes from John Steinbeck:
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You're buying years of work, toil in the sun; you're buying a sorrow that can't talk.
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Men all do about the same thing when they wake up.
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Let's get it over and the door closed shut on it! Let's close it like a book and go on reading! New chapter, new life.
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