Deckman -
I too love Steinbeck, and one of my favourite passages in literature comes from that book.
There is a passage where he talks about how taking a piece of algae from a rock pool does not affect the tidal shelf, and progresses to how the great bombs falling do not affect the stars, finishing with "All of it matters or none of it does."
It's been about thirty years since I read that, and it still blows me out.

Mudlark -
Thanks for reminding me. I'd forgotten that piece about the outboard motor. A delightful passage.

I must try to get hold of that book again.

John