Jack Kerouac

On the Road, Beat Generation

Modern influential 96 sayings

Sayings by Jack Kerouac

I was a young man of the world, and I was going to conquer it.

1957 — On the Road
Controversial Unverifiable

I like too many things and get all confused and lonely trying to pick out a handful of things to be devoted to.

1958 — The Dharma Bums
Controversial Unverifiable

The best teacher is experience and not through someone's distorted point of view.

1957 — On the Road
Controversial Unverifiable

One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple.

1958 — The Dharma Bums
Controversial Unverifiable

I realized that I had to learn to live with my own mistakes, and that was the only way to get on with my life.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I shambled after as I've been doing all my life after people who interest me, because the only people who interest 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!'

1957 — On the Road
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to work in a place where I can be myself, and I want to be myself everywhere.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I was born to be a wanderer, and I will wander until I die.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I don't know what I'm doing, but I'm doing it with all my heart.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm not a writer, I'm a typist.

1968 — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

I want to be a writer, but I don't want to write.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a fool, but I'm a happy fool.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a genius, but I'm a misunderstood genius.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a saint, but I'm a sinner too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a poet, but I'm a drunk too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a philosopher, but I'm a madman too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a spiritual man, but I'm a carnal man too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a lover, but I'm a fighter too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a dreamer, but I'm a realist too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a rebel, but I'm a conformist too.

1950s — Attributed, general sentiment
Controversial Unverifiable