My last post inspired me to post one of my new-favorite quotes. It is by Jack Kerouac, one of the pioneers of the Beat Generation. Before the hippies took over, it was the beatniks in the 50s-60’s who dominated the underground scene. I will reflect further on this movement and Kerouac in a future post (I am currently reading On The Road).
Personally, I find this movement inspirational. Aside from the drug abuse and some other elements, I can relate to several of the ideals of the time. It is they who changed society as our grandparents knew it. They were the ‘crazy, mad ones’ who went against the dogmas ‘society’ imposed, and voiced what they really felt and believed in. ‘They’ came together, and opened their mouths in a loud unison that still resonates today.
Here is Kerouac’s quote:
“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!”
You and I might have different opinions, but that’s what makes us great.
E.
