‘I would rather be ashes than dust.’
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 flow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
–Jack London

Jack London was my favorite writer when I was in high school. Thanks for this post, Dana.