I would rather be ashes than dust by Jack London

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 dry rot.

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

and not to exist. I shall not waste

my days trying to prolong them

I shall use my time.

Jack London