A man must live like a great brilliant flame and burn as brightly as he can. In the end he burns out. But this is far better than a mean little flame.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Yeltsin argues that living intensely and fully is preferable to a safe but modest existence, even if it leads to an earlier end.
- In plain terms
- It is better to live brightly and burn out than to live quietly and safely.
- What can you take from it?
- Intensity of life matters more than longevity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is a short intense life better than a long calm one?
- What defines a well-lived life?
Another view
A long, stable life can also hold deep value and meaning.
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