Colleges being nothing but grooming schools for the middleclass non-identity which usually finds its perfect expression on the outskirts of the campus in rows of well-to-do houses with lawns and television sets in each living room with everybody looking at the same thing and thinking the same thing at the same time while the Japhies of the world go prowling in the wilderness...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kerouac critiques higher education for fostering conformity rather than authentic individuality.
- In plain terms
- Colleges teach people to think alike instead of being unique.
- What can you take from it?
- Real learning should challenge conformity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you maintain your identity?
- Does school make you think alike?
Another view
It overlooks the practical value of standardized education.
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