14 quotes
Ah, the prayers of the millions, how they must fight and destroy each other on their way to the throne of God.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
If two generous paths branch from the highroad of life and only one can be followed, who is to judge which is best?
Tortilla Flat (1935)
What pillow can one have like a good conscience?
Tortilla Flat (1935)
The candle aimed its spear of light at heaven, like an artist who consumes himself to become divine.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
It is astounding to find that the belly of every black and evil thing is as white as snow. And it is saddening to discover how the concealed parts of angels are leprous.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
Ghosts could walk freely tonight, without fear of the disbelief of men; for this night was haunted, and it would be an insensitive man who did not know it.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
Beans are a roof over your stomach. Beans are a warm cloak against economic cold.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
This is the story of Danny and of Danny’s friends and of Danny’s house.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
It was a glorious game. Theft robbed of the stigma of theft, crime altruistically committed—what is more gratifying?
Tortilla Flat (1935)
He was very rich, he bought eggs to throw at a Chinaman. And one of those eggs missed the Chinaman and hit a policeman. So, Danny was in jail.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
Time is more complex near the sea than in any other place, for in addition to the circling of the sun and the turning of the seasons, the waves beat out the passage of time on the rocks and the tides rise and fall as a great clepsydra.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
It is a fact verified and recorded in many histories that the soul capable of the greatest good is also capable of the greatest evil. Who is there more impious than a backsliding priest? Who more carnal than a recent virgin? This, however, may be a matter of appearance.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
The story was gradually taking shape. Pilon liked it this way. It ruined a story to have it all come out quickly. The good story lay in half-told things which must be filled in out of the hearer’s own experience.
Tortilla Flat (1935)
It is a time of quiet joy, the sunny morning. When the glittery dew is on the mallow weeds, each leaf holds a jewel which is beautiful if not valuable. This is no time for hurry or for bustle. Thoughts are slow and deep and golden in the morning.
Tortilla Flat (1935)