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.