Times are a changing

On the Road by Jack Kerouac was one of the most influential books I read at university. The idea of picking up your rucksack and just moving across the country really inspired the young 20-year-old me. At one point, I did even hitchhike from Salt Lake to LA.

I recently went back and relistened to it on Audible and it just didn’t ring as true as it used to. That’s because my values have changed in the 15 years since I read it. Not only my values but the metrics I used for success evolved.

Further, what others care about or expect of you won’t likely match what you value. The culture nudges us to form a certain way. Looking back now, I can juxtapose what the dreamer thought was possible and what actually happened. Life throws curveballs. Unexpected surprises. Both “good” and “bad.” What you care about today won’t be the same tomorrow.