Jack Kerouac: 'Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.'
Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.
Jack Kerouac's quote, "Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion," emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and individuality in order to achieve remarkable feats. This quote encourages individuals to resist the temptation of conforming to the latest trends and societal pressure, and instead navigate their own path towards greatness. By following popular opinion and fads, one may easily lose their authentic self and creativity, hindering the potential to make a significant impact on the world.To delve deeper into the philosophical undertones of this quote, let's introduce the intriguing concept of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical theory that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It posits that individuals are free to make their own decisions and ultimately responsible for their own actions and existence. Existentialists reject the idea of conforming to external norms and values, advocating for personal authenticity and self-expression.When we connect Kerouac's quote with existentialism, we find a strong resonance between the two ideas. Both emphasize the significance of individual autonomy and the rejection of societal pressures. In the existentialist framework, yielding to trends and fads can be seen as an act of giving up one's personal agency and surrendering to external influences. By contrast, choosing to pursue one's own beliefs and passions, irrespective of popular opinion, aligns with the existentialist idea of authentic existence.Moreover, the juxtaposition of Kerouac's quote and existentialism highlights the inner struggles individuals may face in balancing their desire for greatness with the pressures of conformity. It underscores the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and the willingness to stand out from the crowd in order to achieve something truly remarkable.In conclusion, Jack Kerouac's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the value in charting our own course and staying true to ourselves, even in the face of societal expectations. By embracing the existentialist ideals of freedom and individuality, we empower ourselves to break free from the constraints of trends and fads and embark on a journey towards greatness defined by our own terms. Let this quote and philosophical concept inspire us to forge our own paths and leave a meaningful mark on the world.