Jack Kerouac is an iconic figure in American literature, best known for his groundbreaking novel On the Road. His works have been influential to generations of readers and writers, and many of his quotes have become famous. His words have inspired a generation of seekers and adventurers to explore their dreams and live life to the fullest. Here are some of his most inspirational quotes that will encourage you to live a life filled with adventure and exploration.1. “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”
2. “The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”
3. “What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? It’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
4. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in an office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
5. “One day I will find myself and kiss myself gladly.”
6. “Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”
7. “My fault, my failure is not in the passions I have but in my lack of control of them.”
8. “I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life but that great consciousness of life.”
9. “I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted.”
10. “Live, travel, adventure, bless and don’t be sorry.”
The Wisdom of Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac was one of the most influential and iconic American writers of the 20th century. He was a major figure in the Beat Generation, a movement that challenged traditional literary conventions and celebrated alternative lifestyles. His works explored themes of identity, spirituality, and freedom, and he often wrote about his own struggles with mental illness. As such, Kerouac’s writing offers a unique window into his life and his insights on life in general. Here are some of the wisest pieces of advice from Jack Kerouac:
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” This quote from Kerouac’s novel On The Road encapsulates one of his core values: that life is an ever-evolving journey that should be embraced with an open heart. He often wrote about embracing change and embracing uncertainty as essential to living a fulfilling life.
“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.” This quote speaks to Kerouac’s commitment to authenticity and individuality. He believed that true greatness could only be achieved through staying true to oneself and being unafraid to express one’s own opinions despite what society might think.
“I realized these were all the snapshots which our children will look at someday with wonder, thinking their parents had lived smooth, well-ordered lives and got up in the morning to walk proudly on the sidewalks of life.” This quote highlights another core value of Kerouac’s: cherishing memories and moments in time. He believed that it is important for us to appreciate each moment for what it is – even if it seems insignificant – because these moments are part of our story.
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved…the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.” This quote emphasizes another major theme in Kerouac’s work – passion. He believed in living life with purpose and intensity; he wanted us all to strive for something greater than ourselves while also enjoying each moment along the way.
The wisdom of Jack Kerouac continues to resonate today – his words can still teach us valuable lessons about living an authentic life full of passion, purpose, memory-making, and adventure.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Jack Kerouac’s On the Road is a classic novel that chronicles the journey of two friends, Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty, as they travel across America in search of freedom and adventure. The novel is written in a Beat Generation style with a focus on spontaneity and freedom, which makes it a great source for inspiring quotes. Here are some of the best quotes from On the Road by Jack Kerouac:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes ‘Awww!’”
“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? It’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
“…nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
“The only ones for me are the mad ones…” This quote captures one of Kerouac’s core themes: that life is best lived passionately and spontaneously. He encourages readers to embrace life fully without worrying about what other people think or whether they’ll be judged. The second quote speaks to another important theme in On The Road: movement and exploration. By embracing movement and exploration Paradise and Moriarty are able to find freedom from society’s constraints. Finally, this last quote speaks to Kerouac’s idea that life should be lived with an open mind and an open heart; that life is an adventure waiting to be explored.
Meaningful Quotes from Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums
Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums is a cornerstone of Beat Generation literature, and one of the most iconic books of all time. The novel follows protagonist Ray Smith as he embarks on a quest for personal growth and fulfillment. Throughout the novel, Kerouac offers up some truly profound quotes that get to the heart of his philosophy and provide us with insight into his unique worldview. Here are some of the most meaningful quotes from Jack Kerouac’s Dharma Bums:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”
“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”
“The only truth is music.”
“My witness is the empty sky.”
“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? It’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”
“Blessed be nothingness that gave birth to glory!”
“Be in love with your life. Every minute of it.”
Famous Quotes From Big Sur by Jack Kerouac
Big Sur by Jack Kerouac is one of the most beloved books of the Beat Generation. It tells the story of Kerouac’s journey through a remote section of California’s coast and his inner struggle to find spiritual and emotional solace. The novel is full of beautiful, thought-provoking quotes that will stay with you for years to come. Here are some of the most famous quotes from Big Sur:
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.”
“There was nothing behind me but complete freedom and a kind of wildness I had never known before.”
“I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted.”
“It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s that place in between that we fear…It’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.”
“This is what you shall do; Love the earth and sun and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy…”
“Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.”
These famous quotes from Big Sur capture some of Kerouac’s most profound insights into life. They remind us that life is an adventure filled with possibilities and opportunities if we just open our eyes to them. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply want something thought-provoking to ponder on your next road trip, these lines from Big Sur will leave you inspired.
Notable Quotes
The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac is a classic novel filled with memorable quotes and profound insight. One such quote reads, “What is the point of living if you can’t feel alive?” This quote speaks to the human condition, and alludes to the importance of recognizing and embracing our true nature in order to live life to its fullest.
Another famous quote from the novel states, “You can’t run away from yourself.” This phrase urges us to confront our innermost thoughts and feelings in order to better understand who we are and what we want out of life.
Kerouac also wrote, “Life is about discovering who you are, not what you want.” This quote emphasizes that it’s more important to focus on understanding ourselves than simply trying to attain material possessions or accomplishments.
Finally, Kerouac wrote, “Love is a matter of courage; it’s also a matter of luck.” This quote speaks to how love takes bravery; it can’t be forced or manipulated. Additionally, it acknowledges that sometimes luck plays a role in meeting the person that will become your soulmate.
Overall, The Subterraneans by Jack Kerouac contains many thought-provoking quotes that touch upon themes such as self-discovery, courage, luck and love. These quotes provide readers with wisdom that still resonates today.
Reflections on Life in Desolation Angels by Jack Kerouac
Desolation Angels, written by the renowned Beat Generation author Jack Kerouac, is an autobiographical novel that reflects on life in the wilderness. Through poetry and prose, Kerouac captures the beauty of nature and his personal journey of self-discovery. The novel is set in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, where the author spent several months alone in a cabin. His time there was filled with contemplation and introspection as he grappled with his sense of identity and purpose.
Kerouac’s reflections on life in Desolation Angels are filled with insight and wisdom. He contemplates the transient nature of life and its inevitable end. He reflects on his mortality and laments how his physical body will eventually die but his spirit will live on forever. Throughout the novel, he muses on themes such as spirituality, mortality, death, and rebirth, all while contemplating his own identity within this vast universe.
Kerouac’s work also offers a commentary on society at large. He considers how human beings are affected by materialism, consumerism, and technology – topics which remain relevant today – as well as how humans interact with one another and nature itself. While exploring these themes, he also reflects on how humans must strive to find balance between their innermost desires for fulfillment and contentment with their current circumstances.
In Desolation Angels, Kerouac paints a vivid portrait of life in the wilderness; a place where one can find solace from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Through this story of self-discovery, he encourages readers to pause for reflection in order to gain clarity about their own lives. His reflections offer timeless wisdom that can be applied to any era or circumstance – a reminder that we must embrace our mortality while striving for personal growth and fulfillment along our journey through life.
Visions of Cody by Jack Kerouac: Significant Quotes
Visions of Cody by Jack Kerouac is a novel that captures the wanderings of two friends, Dean Moriarty and Jack Kerouac, as they explore America. The book is filled with many meaningful quotes that capture the spirit of the Beat Generation. Here are some of the most significant quotes from Visions of Cody:
“I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked.” This quote captures the essence of Kerouac’s experience on his journey. It reflects his disillusionment with society and his yearning for a more meaningful life.
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time.” This quote speaks to the free-spirited nature of Kerouac and his celebration of non-conformity and individualism.
“The only truth is music.” This quote reflects the idea that music is an expression of emotion and truth that cannot be found in any other form of art or communication.
“Go find a wildness and make it your own.” This quote speaks to Kerouac’s desire for exploration and discovery. He encourages readers to explore new places and embrace new experiences in order to find their own personal truth.
“I realized these were all illusions about myself and nobody else can change them but me.” This quote speaks to Kerouac’s realization that he must take responsibility for his own life and not rely on others for happiness or validation.
These quotes from Visions of Cody capture the spirit of the Beat Generation and reveal important themes such as freedom, exploration, disillusionment with society, self-discovery, and personal responsibility. They provide insight into what it means to be part of this movement and encourage readers to embrace its ideals.
Conclusion
Jack Kerouac’s quotes are an insightful reminder of the importance of living life to its fullest. He encourages us to embrace all that life has to offer, to take risks and explore the unknown, and to appreciate beauty in all its forms. His words remind us that life is about more than just material possessions, it’s about the richness of experiences we have through our relationships with others and with nature. Through his quotes, he offers us a timeless wisdom that can be applied to any situation.
Kerouac’s quotes have the power to inspire us and push us out of our comfort zones, allowing us to live a more vibrant and meaningful life. They remind us that we are never alone in our struggles and that we can always find solace in the beauty of nature. Ultimately, Kerouac’s words are an invaluable source of knowledge for anyone looking for guidance on how to make the most out of their lives.