In his essay on Civil Disobedience, Thoreau wrote a passage that activists prefer to ignore: that he came into this world not to change it but to live in it, be it good or bad. Inside-out trumps outside-in.
By the same measure, the 50s trump the 60s for radical ideas. This was the cause of Kerouac's dismay, however wrapped in alcoholic self-pity.
This is not how popular history reads it, of course. But the Beats were far more extraordinary than what followed. But they looked inward, not outward.
Sketch digs Thoreau perfectly. I see it in his relaxation. In his bark. He is here to be a dog.
By the same measure, the 50s trump the 60s for radical ideas. This was the cause of Kerouac's dismay, however wrapped in alcoholic self-pity.
This is not how popular history reads it, of course. But the Beats were far more extraordinary than what followed. But they looked inward, not outward.
Sketch digs Thoreau perfectly. I see it in his relaxation. In his bark. He is here to be a dog.
