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.