George Bernard Shaw – The True joy of Life

This is the true joy of life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by
yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish
little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not
devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I
live, my privilege to do for Whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly
used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.

Life is no “brief candle” to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got
hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible
before handing it on to future generations.