"I would rather be ashes than dust!
I would rather my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze
than it should be stilled by dry rot.
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."

=== And, fascinating sleuthing to be read at link in title ===