Instead.

I'd rather be full of life and wisdom instead of the forebodings of death and dry intellect.
I'd rather be content with where I am instead of making a caricature of the frightful future.
I'd rather work hard and feel grit instead of experimenting my inspirations on stimulus.
I'd rather run and perish than sit and live.
I'd rather unify science and Christianity instead of having to choose between the "rational" and the wonderful.
I'd rather not sin.
I'd rather the classroom be the world instead of a windowless room.
I'd rather imagination be enthroned above the facts.
I'd rather look into your eyes and see the colors of creation instead of an accident of the multiverse.
I'd rather be a Neanderthal than a fool.
I'd rather choose the riches of Jesus instead of the confines of materialism.
I'd rather all these latter vices be lost to me.
I'd rather the brain be a forest instead of a laboratory.
I'd rather be an iota of God's reality instead of God being an iota of mine.