New Delhi, June 13 -- American author John Steinbeck was widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his vivid portrayals of ordinary people, especially working-class families and migrant labourers during the Great Depression.

"And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good." The quote is a gentle yet powerful reminder of self-acceptance. The line, widely attributed to his novel East of Eden, reminds us that the demand to be perfect can often stop people from becoming honest, kind, useful, or whole.

In its essence, the quote simply means that once perfection is no longer the condition, goodness becomes possible. It suggests that goodness does not require flawlessness. Many...