Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”
Once upon a time, we were told not to read something, so of course we had to read it. An American novel, full of adventure, sex, travel, and, uh, artificially-inspired hallucinations. A story of life on the great American road trip, aptly named On The Road. Penned by Jack Kerouac in the 1950s, it was hailed as giving a voice to a generation who couldn't conform and was derided for the very same reason. The author coined the term Beat Generation and was considered one of the leaders of the movement. This is a man who craved freedom and adventure- he was a sailor, railroad brakeman, fire lookout, merchant marine, and repairman before he captured fame for his writing.
After commercial success, Kerouac succumbed to the same demons that many brilliant creators have been faced with, ultimately dying at an early age of alcoholism. As he said, “My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.”His legacy lives on in his words. To read Kerouac is to read jazz.
Today we wish Jack a Happy Birthday.
Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry- Jack Kerouac
