13 Oct: "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 function of man is to live, 

not to exist.
 

I shall not waste my days 

trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.