On the Road: The Story of My Life

On the Road: The Story of My Life

[US] Gloria Steinem

Beijing United Publishing Company

2017-03-27

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Summary

This book tells the moving and funny growth story of feminist pioneer Gloria Steinem, and the development of a revolutionary movement for equality. When Gloria was a little girl, she often followed the whole...

Highlights

  1. "We are still young, eager to hit the road, with the initial passion, chasing the initial dream, feeling the initial experience, let's hit the road." —— The opening shows the young generation's desire for the unknown and determination to pursue freedom. 2. "I like to follow people who interest me all my life, because in my mind, real people are crazy, they love life, love to chat, don't show their edge, and hope to have everything. They are never tired, never talk about ordinary things, but like wonderful yellow Roman fireworks, they keep emitting sparks." —— It reflects the protagonist Sal's appreciation for his companion Dean's lifestyle and personal characteristics. 3. "What is your path, man? —— The path of a good child, the path of a madman, the colorful path, the path of a rake, any path. Where is it, for whom, and how to go?" —— It shows the confusion and exploration of the young generation on the road about the path of life. 4. "I am always surprised to find that I hit the road without thinking, because I am still alive." —— Reveals the deep-seated reason for the protagonists' aimless travel: the drive of vitality and sense of existence. 5. "I often can't resist the call of the road to me." —— Expresses the protagonist's deep-seated irresistibility to the wandering lifestyle. 6. "Our tattered suitcases are piled on the sidewalk again; we still have a longer way to go. But it doesn't matter, the road is life." —— Explains that "being on the road" is not only a physical state, but also a philosophy of life. 7. "True travelers never regard the destination as the end point. For them, the journey itself is the destination." —— Emphasizes that the significance of the travel process exceeds the destination itself. 8. "I am just an insignificant passer-by, helplessly sent to the end point on this huge, indiscriminate, and single-direction conveyor belt in the world." —— Reflects the author's sense of powerlessness and fatalism in life. 9. "Whenever the sun sets, I sit on the dilapidated pier by the river, watching the skyscrapers of Manhattan across New Jersey shining in the golden afterglow, and an unspeakable sadness will surge in my heart." —— Through the description of the scenery, it shows the loneliness of the traveler and the complex emotions towards urban life. 10. "What I pursue is not the things that have passed away, but the ever-changing present." —— Highlights the importance of young people living in the present and grasping the ever-changing attitude of life. 11. "This is the true meaning of life, which is always flowing and changing. People try to fix their lives with marriage, children, and houses, but they can never keep them." —— Criticizes the constraints of traditional lifestyles on freedom and change. 12. "I only know that I want to keep moving, or it is some kind of inner force that forces me to move that prevents me from stopping. Once I stop, I feel like I am buried alive in a coffin." —— Reveals the inner restlessness of travelers on the road and their strong desire to escape from a static life. 13. "Every farewell is a death, and we learn to grow in the constant farewell." - Expresses the pain and inevitability of growth through the metaphor of farewell. 14. "Only those who dare to break the rules and subvert traditions can find their true self in the journey of life." - Emphasizes that self-realization requires courage and extraordinary choices. 15. "In the United States, young people are always on the road, always pursuing. This is a state, a state that cannot be defined." - Summarizes the unique position of the Beat Generation in American culture.

About the Author

Title: Gloria Steinem: A Feminist Legend and Inspiration Gloria Steinem, a famous American feminist, writer, editor and social activist, is known for her advocacy of gender equality and women's rights.< Her personal experience and works provide us with deep insights into the feminist movement and social change.

Basic Personal Information Gloria Steinem was born on March 25, 1934 in Toledo, Michigan.< Her upbringing was full of challenges, but she always maintained her desire for knowledge and freedom.

Education and Career Background Steinem received a degree in English and Philosophy from Smith College and continued her studies at the University of Delhi in India.< She began her career in journalism and worked as a reporter and editor for several magazines and newspapers.

Her reporting and writing style is known for its keen observation and deep social insight.< Writing Career Steinem's writing career spans several decades, and her works cover a variety of fields such as feminism, social justice, politics and personal growth.

Her articles and books, such as On the Road and The Story of My Life, not only record her personal life experiences, but also reflect the development of the feminist movement and social changes.< Work Style and Themes Steinem's works are loved by readers for their direct, frank and inspiring style.

Her writing is full of sympathy and support for women, while also making profound criticisms of gender inequality and social injustice.< Personal Life Steinem's personal life is also full of legends.

Her lifestyle and choices, such as choosing not to marry and not having children, reflect her insistence on women's freedom and independence.< Social Influence Steinem's social influence cannot be underestimated.

She is an important promoter of the feminist movement, and her words and actions have inspired countless women to pursue equality and freedom.< Her influence has also been recognized by authoritative media and experts.

Quotes and Comments The New York Times once commented that Steinem was "the conscience of the feminist movement", and her works and actions are widely regarded as an important force in promoting gender equality.< At the same time, she has also received some criticism, and some people think that her views are too radical, but this does not affect her important position in the feminist movement.

Latest Updates Although she is over 80 years old, Steinem is still active in social activism and public speaking, and continues to speak out for gender equality and social justice.< Her latest updates and activities can be found through her personal website and social media platforms.

Gloria Steinem's life and works provide us with profound insights into feminism and social change.< Her story and ideas will continue to inspire us in our pursuit of a more equal and just society.