August 18, 1805

This day I completed my 31st year
I reflected I had done 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’ve spent
In indolence, and now soarly feel the want
Of that information which those hours would have given me
Had they been judiciously expended
Hey, have you been judiciously expended?
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
Guess it’s all a part of something Bigger than One
I dash from me the gloomy thought
And resolve, in future, to redouble my exertions
Nature and fortune, they have shown on me
And I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Yeah I will shine on them
And I will shine on them
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live
Cause in the future I will live for mankind
As I, have heretofore lived for myself