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About this quote

What does it mean?
Trying to oppose large institutions is futile because they constantly shift their identity or rules.
In plain terms
You cannot fight the government because it keeps changing its rules.
What can you take from it?
Institutions evolve in ways that make resistance difficult.

Where it applies

  • political activism
  • dealing with government
  • corporate relations

Putting it to work

  • understand systemic shifts
  • focus on adaptable strategies

Questions to consider

  • Is fighting a changing target ever worthwhile?
  • How do you resist something that has no fixed shape?

Another view

Sometimes direct action can force institutional change.

More from Jack Kerouac

  1. My manners, abominable at times, can be sweet. As I grew older I became a drunk. Why? Because I like ecstasy of the mind. I'm a wretch. But I love, love.

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. All our best men are laughed at in this nightmare land.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. All is well, practice kindness, heaven is nigh.

    Permalink to quote #14

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