Sometimes I'd get mad because things didn't work out so well, I'd spoil a flapjack, or slip in the snowfield while getting water, or one time my shovel went sailing down into the gorge, and I'd be so mad I'd want to bite the mountaintops and would come in the shack and kick the cupboard and hurt my toe. But let the mind beware, though the flesh be bugged, the circumstances of existence are pretty glorious.
In "The Dharma Bums," Jack Kerouac expresses moments of frustration during his outdoor adventures, highlighting the small mishaps that can happen, like ruining a flapjack or slipping in the snow. These experiences provoke anger and the desire to vent, as seen when he feels like kicking something out of frustration. However, he soon realizes these minor setbacks cannot overshadow the beauty of life and nature.
Despite the physical challenges he faces, Kerouac emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. The essence of his message is that while the body may struggle with difficulties, the overall experience of life is filled with wonder and glory. This balance between acknowledging frustrations and appreciating the beauty of existence is a central theme in his work.
