The Pearl

by John Steinbeck

For it is said that humans are never satisfied, that you give them one thing and they want something more.

this is said in disparagement, whereas it is one of the greatest talents the species has and one that has made it superior to animals that are satisfied with what they have.

He was trapped as his people were always trapped, and would be until, as he had said, they could be sure that the things in the books were really in the books.

You have defied not the pearl buyers, but the whole structure, the whole way of life, and I am afraid for you.”

“This pearl has become my soul,” said Kino. “If I give it up I shall lose my soul.

The little pools were places of life because of the water, and places of killing because of the water, too.