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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kerouac expresses a desire to create deep, honest work rather than shallow stories.
In plain terms
He wants to write deep truth not just for money.
What can you take from it?
Authenticity in art is more valuable than profit.

Where it applies

  • deciding career paths
  • writing goals

Putting it to work

  • creative writing
  • artistic integrity

Questions to consider

  • Why do you create?
  • What is your deepest truth?

Another view

It assumes deep work is always understandable to others.

More from Jack Kerouac

  1. All of life is a foreign country.

    Permalink to quote #2
  2. I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life but that great consciousness of life.

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Maybe that's what life is... a wink of the eye and winking stars.

    Permalink to quote #1

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