First 500.

            On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, is a novel that tells the story of aimless teenagers who choose to live in the moment rather than focus on the future.  In today’s society we are all focused on the future and the past, whether we are stressing about that future test that is upcoming, or a past mistake that may come and bite us in the butt.  While living like this can help keep us on top of our daily struggles, it can also cause unnecessary stress, which can lead to more severe health problems.  This novel features a group of young adults and teenagers who have thrown aside society’s norms, and are focused on solely living in the moment in order to evade the stresses of their former lives and find a new way to enjoy life carefree.

            While reading through Dostoyevsky’s, Notes from the Underground, I noticed some interesting parallels between the themes and ideas expressed in Notes, to the actions and thought processes behind the characters featured in On the Road.  A major theme that I felt was clearly exemplified in On the Road is the belief that human decisions cannot be mathematically calculated.  This is evident in Sal’s lack of regard for personal safety and care while on his journey around the country.  Generally while travelling, people look out for themselves and make sure that money isn’t an issue.  There isn’t anything much worse than being stuck in a foreign area without the means to food and clothe oneself.  Sal runs into this problem more than once.  If humans were calculable, this wouldn’t be an issue.  “Mañana, said Rickey.  Mañana, man, we make it; have another beer, man, dah you go, dah you go!” (Kerouac 93.6).  In this line, Sal’s lack of interest in earning money for himself shows a blatant disregard for himself, which goes against the notion of humans acting rationally and calculably.  “None of us knew what was going on, or what the Good Lord appointed.” (93.36-37).  Sal has no plan in his life, and to act rationally a plan is needed in order to accomplish tasks.  This constant predicament of running out of money, gas, food, and shelter follows Sal and his gang of friends throughout the entire novel.  Dostoyevsky argues against the scientists of his day who argued that there is some sort of formula or algorithm that can predict how humans behave.  Kerouac agreed with Dostoyevsky in the idea that humans act in whichever way they want, and in many cases this ends up being illogical and irrational.  Just like when humans are tired or emotional, logical reasoning flies right out the window.  The entire idea of riding around with an ex-con lunatic, doing drugs, getting into fights, sleeping in parked cars, and living life on the edge isn’t logical or rational.  Another interesting point that is noticeable in On the Road, and is mentioned in Notes from the Underground is a subtle wish to return to normalcy, or society’s view of normalcy after a crazy adventure.  Every once in a while, after weeks of acting crazy, Sal will attempt to try and live normally, he will retain a job try and get a steady girlfriend and care for himself, but his plans fail because he is always drawn to the craziness of being on the road.  Everyone has an innate sense to be wild and irrational, some are better at hiding those desires than others.