“Thou mayest rule over sin,’ Lee. That’s it. I do not believe all men are destroyed. I can name you a dozen who were not, and they are the ones the world lives by. It is true of the spirit as it is true of battles—only the winners are remembered. Surely most men are destroyed, but there are others who like pillars of fire guide frightened men through the darkness. ‘Thou mayest, Thou mayest!’ What glory! It is true that we are weak and sick and quarrelsome, but if that is all we ever were, we would, millenniums ago, have disappeared from the face of the earth. A few remnants of fossilized jawbone, some broken teeth in strata of limestone, would be the only mark man would have left of his existence in the world. But the choice, Lee, the choice of winning! I had never understood it or accepted it before. Do you see now why I told Adam tonight? I exercised the choice. Maybe I was wrong, but by telling him I also forced him to live or get off the pot. What is that word, Lee?”
“Timshel,” said Lee.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden
This quote also comes from John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden,” a novel rich in themes of freedom, choice, and the inherent struggle between good and evil within human nature.
Central to the novel is the concept of “Timshel,” a Hebrew word that Steinbeck interprets as “Thou mayest.”
This interpretation plays a crucial role in the novel, offering a perspective on human agency and moral responsibility.
“Thou mayest” signifies the power of choice given to humanity.
Unlike deterministic views that might render individuals powerless against their nature or fate, “Thou mayest” suggests that every person has the capacity to choose their path—between good and evil, between succumbing to one’s weaknesses or overcoming them.
The speaker revels in the “glory” of this realization, acknowledging human frailty (“we are weak and sick and quarrelsome”) but also celebrating the strength and resilience that have allowed humanity not only to survive but to thrive.
The mention of what would have been left if humanity had succumbed to its weaknesses—merely “a few remnants of fossilized jawbone, some broken teeth in the strata of limestone”—highlights the speaker’s belief in the significance of the human spirit and its capacity for choice.
By emphasizing “the choice of winning,” the speaker acknowledges the transformative power of making choices that affirm life and reject passivity.
This realization is deeply personal; it marks a turning point in understanding and accepting the responsibility that comes with “Timshel.”
It’s not just about the choice itself but about understanding the weight and impact of these choices, not only on oneself but also on others.
The reference to telling Adam “tonight” and exercising the choice reflects a pivotal moment in the novel where a character confronts another with a truth, forcing them into a position where they must make a decisive choice about their future.
This act of confrontation is seen as an exercise of “Timshel,” highlighting the character’s agency and the belief in the power of choice to catalyze change.
In essence, this quote encapsulates the novel’s exploration of human nature, the capacity for moral choice, and the belief in the potential for redemption and growth.
“Thou mayest” serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power each person holds to shape their destiny through the choices they make.
It underscores the complexity of human nature—acknowledging our weaknesses while also celebrating our incredible potential for resilience, change, and goodness.