There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.

Meaning of the quote

The quote describes a feeling of pure joy and excitement that is the highest point of life. This feeling happens when you are completely focused and present in the moment, and you forget that you are even alive. It's a paradox because this amazing feeling only comes when you are most alive and aware, but it makes you forget that you are alive.

About Jack London

Jack London was an American novelist, journalist, and activist who became an international celebrity and earned a large fortune from writing. He was a pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, and was also known for his advocacy of animal welfare, workers’ rights, and socialism. His most famous works include The Call of the Wild and White Fang, both set in Alaska and the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.

More about the author

More quotes from Jack London

Darn the wheel of the world! Why must it continually turn over? Where is the reverse gear?

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

The scab is a traitor to his God, his mother, and his class.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

I write for no other purpose than to add to the beauty that now belongs to me. I write a book for no other reason than to add three or four hundred acres to my magnificent estate.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

Affluence means influence.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

If cash comes with fame, come fame; if cash comes without fame, come cash.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

One cannot violate the promptings of one’s nature without having that nature recoil upon itself.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

San Francisco is gone. Nothing remains of it but memories.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)

Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes, playing a poor hand well.

Jack London

American author, journalist and social activist (1876-1916)