HEARTICLES: Articles with Heart

I am impelled, not to squeak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession. ~ John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize 10 December 1962 -- I thank the Swedish Academy for finding my work worthy of this highest honor. In my heart there may be doubt that I deserve the Nobel award over other men of letters whom I hold in respect and reverence - but there is no question of my pleasure and pride in having it for myself. It is customary for the recipient of this award to offer personal or scholarly comment on the nature and the direction of literature. At this particular time, however, I think it would be well to consider the high duties and the responsibilities of the makers of literature. Such is the prestige of the Nobel award and of this place where I stand that I am impelled, not to squeak like a grateful and apologetic mouse, but to roar like a lion out of pride in my profession and in the great and good men...