Kerouac Quote by Nicole Brossard
““Kathy Kerouac knew the power of her voice. It was, she said, her 'golden thing,' an amulet protecting her against all disorders of the spirit. Her voice was a charm that could stop violence and transform crudeness into curtesy, foolishness into finesse. So Kathy Kerouac was under the impression that nothing was ever altogether dangerous, the feeling that no word spoken could soil her world.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Kathy Kerouac” by Nicole Brossard, 1990
A voice can be a protective charm, turning violence into courtesy and foolishness into finesse.
In simple terms: Words can transform harshness into grace.
Key Takeaway
Use language mind and harm.
Themes
communication
transformative power
language
Mood
inspirational
empowering
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- conflict mediation
- creative writing
- education
Key Concepts
literature
feminist theory
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we cultivate a protective voice?
- When does silence become more powerful?
A Different Perspective
May overstate voice's impact.
![“I realized Jack [Kerouac] was deeply committed to writing. Kesey was just as deeply committed to living and experiencing the lives of others; for him writing was just a part of living.” quote by Sterling Lord](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f1a/sterling-lord-55520_art-of-living_i-realized-jack-kerouac-was-deeply-commi_11675.jpg)
![“I was impressed with Jack [Kerouac]’s commitment to serious writing at the expense of everything else in his life. At a time when the middle class was burgeoning with new homes, two-tone American cars, and black-and-white TVs, when American happiness was defined by upwardly mobile consumerism…” quote by Sterling Lord](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/996/sterling-lord-55520_happiness_i-was-impressed-with-jack-kerouac-s-comm_36815.jpg)
