Re-reading East of Eden recently and an oft-quoted section stood out at me and has been pestering my brain the last few days. The quote in question:
In uncertainty I am certain that underneath their topmost layers of frailty men want to be good and want to be loved. Indeed, most of their vices are attempted short cuts to love.
In particular, I have been hung up on that last phrase: “most of [men’s] vices are attempted short cuts to love.” Out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT to analyze and provide some expanded thoughts on this quote. Linked here is what ChatGPT’s analysis and proposed interpretation is.
What I am struggling with is how to reconcile the idea that “most people want to be good” with the idea that people then utilize their “vices” (be it manipulation, control, gaslighting, substance abuse, materialism, what-have-you) as a way of shortcutting to love. My mind can’t wrap around that idea…I guess, I get hung up on how, for example, gaslighting a person you care about could be a way of “gaining their love”? Or how abusing alcohol could be a short cut to finding love, or feeling love.
I am curious, now, after getting ChatGPT’s thoughts to learn more about what thoughts, insights or ideas you smart, intelligent and thoughtful Dopers might have on this quote, Steinbeck’s intent/idea behind it, or related discussions/concepts.
I read this as meaning: vices are a shortcut to the good feelings one receives as a result of being in love, not a shortcut to an actual love relationship with another person. The brain releases ‘reward’ chemicals in return for accomplishing positive things, like creating something, or building a healthy relationship. Alcohol, drugs and other vices, like gambling, or unfortunately for some the rush one gets from controlling or manipulating other people, are ways to trigger those ‘reward’ chemicals without putting the positive work in to get those rewards.
I don’t know, but I think you might be on the right track if you think of “want to be good” as wanting to be worthy of love, and “want to be loved” as earning or winning love, and of those vices as attempts to appear lovable or to manipulate other people into loving you.
The human wants to feel good. When you don’t have human touch or love your brain starts eating those connections (metaphorically) and you lose the ability to give love or understand what is good love and what is toxic.