cassady left an indelible mark on the world of the 1950s and 1960s, through his documented adventures in the works of kerouac, ginsberg, and their friends. he also turned up in kesey's writings about the merry pranksters. he inspired later bohemian characters, like jim morrison of the doors. people today still read about his life and times, and wish they were able to meet cassady, or make friends with him. the people who knew cassady remembered him fondly later, even if he let them down personally, because he was such a unique (special) person. people loved watching cassady live his life to the fullest, while he encouraged them to do the same with theirs.