Attributed to him in Neil Peart’s Ghost Rider (which I’m reading), though the WikiGods say that perhaps only the first line can be accurately traced to Mr. London.
Regardless, it’s a thought worth thinking:
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 dryrot.
I would rather be a superb meteor,
Every atom of me in magnificent glow,
Than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time.