Irving Shepard, the literary executor in London, quoted a "Jack London Credo" in the introduction of a collection of London stories of 1956:

I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather my spark burn out in a brilliant flame than be suffocated by dryness.

I would rather be a gorgeous meteor, and every atom of me shines with magnificent light than a sleeping and eternal planet.

People's function is to live, not to exist.

I won't waste my time extending them.

I will use my time.

Jack London's creed

Irving Shepard, the custodian of Jack London's estate, quoted Jack London's Credo when introducing the collection of London novels published by 1956:

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

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

I'd rather be a flashing meteor, so that every fragment can shine than a death star.

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

I won't waste time trying to prolong my life.

However, I will spend every second of my life.

(Translation is for reference only, please forgive me for my lack of literary talent ~)

Source: Wikipedia (English original)