Man is the only kind of varmint who sets his own trap, baits it, then steps on it

Man is the only kind of varmint who sets his own trap, baits it, then steps on it

John Steinbeck, one of the most celebrated American authors of the 20th century, often explored the complexities of human nature in his works. His quote, “Man is the only kind of varmint who sets his own trap, baits it, then steps on it,” encapsulates a central theme in many of his novels: the self-destructive tendencies of mankind.

In Steinbeck’s novels, characters often find themselves caught in a cycle of self-sabotage, unable to break free from their own destructive behaviors. This theme is particularly evident in works such as "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath", where characters make choices that ultimately lead to their downfall.