What does this quote mean, symbolically???

Question

I'm no lit expert, I get the basic premise, but what else is Kerouac saying?

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say an uncommon-place thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles..."

Answer 1

It's not really symbolic, he is just saying he wants people to be excited about life. Yes, they may burn themselves out sooner, but they live life to the fullest. Sort of like Edna St. Vincent Millay's little poem:

I burn my candle at both ends, it will not last the night,
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends, it gives a lovely light.

Answer 2

Sounds wicked to me. I think wicked might be "wickt", as in 'lights up on some issues, but has to hand it over to an expert on others".

Jesus said that our health doesn't result from what goes into us. It's what comes out that makes the difference - envy, greed etc. This is in Mark 7 at the end of the chapter.

Maybe this guy or girl's a doctor and is looking for another patient to compliment and bill?

Answer 3

Replace the word "mad" with "passionate" and re-read it for yourself. The meaning should be clearer.

Basically he's saying that he has no real use for people that aren't passionate about something. People without a driving passion aren't interesting, they just sort of take up space while they wait to die.

Answer 4

I think it means Kerouac is not a people person.