This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in the Sublunary world.
I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race, or to advance the information of the succeeding generation.
I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and sorely feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. But since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolve in future, to redouble my exertions and at least endeavor to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestowed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.
This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever read, and this man sat by a fire on the Corp of Discovery and thought, “I haven’t done shit yet.” It’s such a beautiful acceptance and affirmation and constant call of duty that serves humanity first and foremost. I read it every year on my birthday because that shit is inspirational!