I shall live

I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out in a

brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dryrot.

I would rather be a superb meteor,

every atom of me in magnificent glow,

than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live,

not to exist.

I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.

~Jack London