torch bearers

this is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish 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 whole community and as long as i live it is my privilege to do for it whatever i can. i want to be thoroughly used up when i die, for the harder i work, the more i live. i rejoice in life for its own sake. life is no 'brief candle' to me. it is sort of a splendid torch which i have a hold of for the moment, and i want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations.

--george bernard shaw