Do you think it is essential to be remembered or to leave a legacy?

[Oliverlogan263]

Do you think it is essential to be remembered or to leave a legacy? Have you ever wondered what you will be remembered for once you leave this world?

I'm not talking about becoming Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks. I'm talking about leaving a mark on the future and making a contribution to future generations. Physically, you would no longer be a part of society, but your ideals, philosophies, and accomplishments would live on, passing down from generation to generation. They would live in the hearts and minds of those you have touched.

I'm stuck in the middle when it comes to this. Sometimes I think that even if I don't leave a legacy, what counts most is that I'm happy with the life I've lived. But I'd also like to leave a legacy or make a significant contribution to future generations (familial or otherwise).

[provokeesmokee]

No.

Think of the dinosaurs or even ancient human archeological records.

So little of us can be preserved. Ultimately, none of us will be remembered.

I find when (in particular a man) people put a fixation on "their legacy", they struggle with a very basic question: "what do I want my life to accomplish?".

And often they can't seem to think of themselves in this. They focus on external validation. Ultimately this leads to them following trends or socially deteined values, rather than becoming themselves.

I think it's important to consider and want to improve your impact on the world, but I find it arrogant and narcissistic to worry about a legacy.

I don't believe we get to choose our own legacy. The most one can do is live your life according to your values - whatever reputation you end up with in death will be a consequence of your life.

[IslaTheWitch]

no...

it's essential to leave the world better than it was before, even if for one living creature only... it's essential to bring joy to the lives of those close to us... it's essential to not hurt others, even strangers...

[FunkyMonkee]

I would like to but, who would I leave it to?

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Leave a legacy

[Dongie]

A cancer cure, for free.

[NathanDavis]

essential? no