The ephemeral nature of Burning Man serves to heighten the energies of all its participants.

The playa is a literal tabula rasa, on which we build dreams. We know it will all quickly disappear, which reminds us to enjoy life with Dionysian intensity.

For all we know
This may only be a dream
We come and go
Like a ripple on a stream
So love me tonight
Tomorrow was made for somebody else
Tomorrow may never come
For all we know.
    --Coots/Lewis, 1941