Control never be a means to any practical end. It can never be a means to anything but more control… Like punk

Control never be a means to any practical end. It can never be a means to anything but more control… Like punk

William S. Burroughs, a prominent figure in the Beat Generation and counterculture movement of the 1950s and 1960s, was known for his radical and subversive views on society, control, and authority. One of his most famous quotes, "Control can never be a means to any practical end. It can never be a means to anything but more control... Like punk," encapsulates his belief that the desire for control ultimately leads to a never-ending cycle of oppression and domination.

Burroughs was a staunch critic of the establishment and the ways in which it sought to control and manipulate individuals. He believed that the quest for power and control was inherently destructive and dehumanizing, leading to the suppression of individual freedom and creativity. In his writings, Burroughs often explored themes of control, addiction, and the struggle for autonomy in a society that sought to impose conformity and obedience.

The comparison of control to punk is particularly apt in the context of Burroughs' work. Punk, as a musical and cultural movement, emerged in the 1970s as a reaction against the mainstream and a rejection of societal norms and conventions. It was characterized by its DIY ethos, anti-authoritarian attitude, and rebellious spirit. Like punk, Burroughs' writing was confrontational, provocative, and unapologetically subversive. He challenged the status quo and pushed boundaries, refusing to conform to the expectations of polite society.

For Burroughs, control was not just a tool of oppression, but a mindset that permeated every aspect of society. He saw control as a form of manipulation and domination, used by those in power to maintain their authority and suppress dissent. In his view, true freedom could only be achieved by breaking free from the chains of control and embracing chaos, spontaneity, and individuality.