Jack London’s Creed

Irving Shepard, the custodian of Jack London’s manuscripts, quoted “Jack ·London Creed":

I would rather be ashes after burning than dust on the ground!

I would rather let a little spark burn violently than let it dry out.

I would rather be a fleeting meteor, letting every fragment sparkle with fire, than be a dead star.

Man's duty is to live, not to exist.

I will not waste my time trying to extend my life.

But, I will use up every second of my life.

Jack London Credo

London's literary executor, Irving Shepard, quoted a "Jack London Credo" in an introduction to a 1956 collection of London stories:

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.