John Steinbeck's life choices were heavily influenced by poverty and the socioeconomic challenges he observed in California. Growing up during the Great Depression, he witnessed the struggles of migrant workers, which significantly shaped his literary focus on themes of hardship and resilience. Steinbeck's personal experience with economic instability propelled him to advocate for social justice through his writing. His novels, such as The Grapes of Wrath, reflect the plight of the disenfranchised and highlight the importance of community and human connection. Ultimately, poverty played a central role in shaping his voice as an author.