Walter Scott

But search the land of living men,
Wher wilst thou find their like again.

One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name.

If you have no friends to share or rejoice in your success in life - if you cannot look back to those whom you owe gratitude, or forward to those to whom you ought to afford protection, still it is no less incumbent on you to move steadily in the path of duty; for your active excretions are due not only to society; but in humble gratitude to the Being who made you a member of it, with powers to save yourself and others.

- Walter Scott