Is rebellion the American Dream?
The Beat Generation is composed of a variety of different concepts and ideas. The main point of the Beat movement was breaking away from set social constructs and differing from the norm. In Stefan Sagmeister's "7 Rules for Making More Happiness" TED Talk, he discusses what humans have to do in order to gain happiness. Sagmeister mentions how true happiness can only be attained through meaningful relationships and following your own personal passions. The Beat Generation embodied this idea perfectly. These writers, artists, and even everyday people differed from social norms to achieve their own personal ideas of happiness. Rebellion was a main factor in the quest for ultimate fulfillment. Carolyn Cassady was a perfect representative of what the Beat Generation stands for. Growing up with parents that imposed strict Victorian values and customs, Carolyn was eager to break away. When she met Neal Cassady, Carolyn knew that she had found the missing piece in her life. Neal proposed a life of never-ending adventure and recklessness. Although this relationship eventually ended, Carolyn knew this was the life she wished to live. Carolyn Cassady became an embodiment of the Beat Generation by being rebellious which led to her ultimate happiness.
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