“I am writing this book because we're all going to die - In the loneliness of my own life, my father dead, my brother dead, my mother faraway, my sister and my wife far away, nothing here but my own tragic hands that once were guarded by a world, a sweet attention, that now are left to guide and disappear their own way into the common dark of all our deaths, sleeping in me raw bed, alone and stupid: with just this one pride and consolation: my broke heart in the general despair and opened up inwards to the Lord, I made a supplication in this dream”
Quote Analysis
In this quote, Jack Kerouac reflects on his sense of profound loneliness and despair in the face of mortality. He acknowledges the loss of his family members and the isolation he feels as he navigates through life. The imagery of his "tragic hands" that were once protected by love and attention now being left to "disappear their own way into the common dark of all our deaths" conveys a feeling of helplessness and inevitability. Despite his broken heart and desolation, Kerouac finds some solace in his spiritual connection and his willingness to surrender to the unknown. This quote captures the complex emotions of grief, longing, and acceptance that are prevalent themes in Kerouac's work.
Modern Relevance of Jack Kerouac's Reflections on Mortality
Jack Kerouac's introspective and raw words about the inevitability of death resonate even in today's fast-paced and technology-driven world. His stark portrayal of loneliness and loss speaks to a universal human experience that transcends time. In a society that often avoids discussions about mortality, Kerouac's brutal honesty serves as a reminder to embrace our vulnerabilities and seek solace in something greater than ourselves.
Example of Usage:
"I am writing this book because we're all going to die - In the loneliness of my own life, my father dead, my brother dead, my mother faraway, my sister and my wife far away, nothing here but my own tragic hands that once were guarded by a world, a sweet attention, that now are left to guide and disappear their own way into the common dark of all our deaths, sleeping in me raw bed, alone and stupid: with just this one pride and consolation: my broke heart in the general despair and opened up inwards to the Lord, I made a supplication in this dream” - Jack Kerouac".
Reflection Questions:
This powerful quote from Jack Kerouac's book invites us to reflect on the inevitability of death and loneliness in our lives. It raises questions about the fragility of human existence and the ways we cope with loss and despair. As you think about these words, consider the following reflection questions:
- How do you interpret the idea of being "alone and stupid" in the face of death and loss?
- What do you think Kerouac means by his "broke heart in the general despair" and finding solace in supplication to a higher power?
- How does this passage resonate with your own experiences of grief and loneliness?
- In what ways do you find comfort or meaning in the midst of life's inevitable challenges and hardships?
- What might Kerouac's words teach us about the human condition and the search for connection and understanding in the face of mortality?
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“HandsIf I could tell the world just one thing It would be that we're all ok And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful and useless in times like these I won't be made useless I won't be idled with despair I'll gather myself around my faith for light does the darkness most fear My hands are small, I know, but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own and I am never broken Poverty stole your golden shoes but it didn't steal your laughter And heartache came to visit me but i knew it wasn't ever after We will fight, not out of spite for someone must stand up for what's right 'cause where there's a man who has no voice there ours shall go singing My hands are small, I know, but they're not yours, they are my own but they're not yours, they are my own and I am never broken In the end only kindness matters In the end only kindness matters I will get down on my knees, and I will pray I will get down on my knees, and I will pray I will get down on my knees, and I will pray My hands are small, I know, but they're not yours they are my own but they're not yours they are my own and I am never broken My hands are small, i know, but they're not yours they are my own but they're not yours they are my own and I am never brokenWe are never broken We are God's eyes God's hands God's mind We are God's eyes God's hands God's heart We are God's eyes We are God's hands We are God's eyes”