I love Steinbeck, so earthy and real. Odd thing is, his political leanings really contradict this quote. He had some pretty socialist/leftist/collectivist leanings. This quote above is much more like something Ayn Rand would write and is awesome. I still love Steinbeck's writings though (and Rand's).
Also, your post reminded me of the "Life's Little Instruction Book". Number 379 said about the same thing.