The Star Rover

by Jack London

Intelligent men are cruel. Stupid men are monstrously cruel.

“Oh, I know big things are afoot and slimy worms squirming underground,”

And yet, as I calmly consider it all, I conclude that the greatest thing in life, in all lives, to me and to all men, has been woman, is woman, and will be woman so long as the stars drift in the sky and the heavens flux eternal change. Greater than our toil and endeavour, the play of invention and fancy, battle and star-gazing and mystery–greatest of all has been woman.