Classic Quotes by Jack Kerouac

1922-1969

American Writer

All our best men are laughed at in this nightmare land.

Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.

If moderation is a fault, then indifference is a crime.

It is not my fault that certain so-called bohemian elements have found in my writings something to hang their peculiar beatnik theories on.

“Now you understand the Oriental passion for tea,” said Japhy. “Remember that book I told you about the first sip is joy, the second is gladness, the third
is serenity, the fourth is madness, the fifth is ecstasy.”

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to talk, mad to live, 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.

Whither goest thou, America, in thy shiny car in the night?