"I'd rather be a lightning rod than a seismograph"

This quote by Ken Kesey is a metaphor for taking action and being proactive in life. A lightning rod is a device that is utilized to safeguard a structure from lightning strikes by supplying a path for the electrical power to take a trip through. It is a proactive measure that is required to safeguard the building from possible damage. A seismograph, on the other hand, is a gadget that is utilized to determine and tape seismic activity. It is a reactive step that is taken after an earthquake has currently occurred.

Kesey is suggesting that it is better to do something about it and be proactive in life instead of waiting for something to take place and then responding to it. He is encouraging individuals to take the effort and be the lightning rod, instead of awaiting something to happen and after that reacting to it. This quote is a suggestion to take action and be proactive in life, rather than waiting on something to take place and then reacting to it.