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About this quote

What does it mean?
True achievement requires independence from prevailing trends and opinions.
In plain terms
You cannot do great work if you follow the crowd.
What can you take from it?
Stay true to your vision instead of chasing popularity.

Where it applies

  • creative work
  • leadership
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • ignore social pressure
  • trust your instincts
  • define your own path

Questions to consider

  • When did you last follow a trend against your better judgment?
  • How do you define success without external validation?

Another view

Sometimes aligning with trends can help amplify important messages.

More from Jack Kerouac

  1. My witness is the empty sky.

    Permalink to quote #53
  2. If moderation is a fault, then indifference is a crime.

    Permalink to quote #55
  3. Mankind is like dogs, not gods - as long as you don't get mad they'll bite you - but stay mad and you'll never be bitten. Dogs don't respect humility and sorro…

    Permalink to quote #52

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