A few days ago
Claire

Can someone please explain to me the meaning of this Jack Kerouac quote?

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…”

-Jack Kerouac

Top 2 Answers
A few days ago
KitKat

Favorite Answer

I believe that Kerouac is saying that the only people for him are the ones who are passionate and unashamed of everything they do and want. Everything done is with the most intense feeling. This is how I interpreted it. I’ve loved this quote forever
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6 years ago
Edie
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RE:
Can someone please explain to me the meaning of this Jack Kerouac quote?
"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the…

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A few days ago
Anonymous
I would imagine that the word “mad” is replacing “people with a buring desire” or passion. You’ve seen them, they work on something for 17 straight hours, go to sleep, wake up an hour later and start working again. That is why he uses, “burn, burn, burn” He likes people who have passion about what they do or believe in. Nice quote.
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A few days ago
Rain
I dont think one can explain it, only Jack Kerouac could do, all other explantions would be according the individual imagination.
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A few days ago
AckiLeeZ
Personally, I think Jack is referring to people like himself.

Immensly invigorated by life!, and he in general likes people of this characteristic.

Not only invigorating he says, but those who have an unique intense desire for more than the norm.

I think this quote is on “stardom” or “fame” if you will.

Which takes alot of “Madness” A.K.A “Morbid desire and consistency”.

Thank You, and I hoped I answered your question.

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