Skip to content

Sneak Quote by Jack Kerouac

“and never really thought I'd amount to anything. It was precisely what I wanted the whole world to think; then I could sneak in, if that's what they wanted, and sneak out again, which I did.” quote by Jack Kerouac
Download Open image
“and never really thought I'd amount to anything. It was precisely what I wanted the whole world to think; then I could sneak in, if that's what they wanted, and sneak out again, which I did.”

Jack Kerouac

About This Quote

Source Novel: On the Road by Jack Kerouac, 1957

The narrator pretends to desire others' expectations to hide his true ambitions, then covertly pursues his own goals.

In simple terms: He pretends to want others' approval while secretly following his own path.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and own your true motivations.

Themes

identity deception ambition

Mood

reflective determined

Type

literary personal

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • personal growth
  • creative projects
  • social navigation

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑discovery

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden motives drive your actions?
  • How does pretending help you achieve your goals?
A Different Perspective

The strategy may lead to distrust if discovered.

3.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Jack Kerouac

Explore all 936 Jack Kerouac quotes

More Sneak quotes

Browse all 267 Sneak quotes