You had asked me if I was afraid of death.

I said I was afraid of not living.

I don’t want to eke out my life like a resource in short supply.  The only selfish life is a timid one.  To hold back, to withdraw, to keep the best in reserve, both overvalues the self, and undervalues what the self is.

Here’s my life – I have to mine it, farm it, trade it, tenant it, and when the lease is up it can’t be renewed.

This is my chance.  Take it.

Jeanette Winterson, The Powerbook