I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy 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.
Jack London
Defiled by passion, the mind is not released. Defiled by ignorance, wisdom does not develop. Thus from the fading of passion is there release of awareness. From the fading of ignorance is there release of wisdom.
Anguttara Nikaya