Just a thought that crossed my mind today.
If I was to ask everyone that you’ve ever interacted with (IRL) what their general opinion of you is, what do you hope the most common answer would be?
Would you hope they consider you a successful person, physically attractive, smart, the best in your field, etc?
Personally, my answer is “A good, kind person. Friendly and helpful.”
Just wondering what the rest of feel.
EDIT: Based on the first few responses, I’m thinking I should have clarified better.
I’m not talking about your legacy after you’re dead, I just mean right here, right now. You have left an impression on people. That is inevitable. Surely there aren’t that many people that don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks, but I must admit, it is a valid answer. Maybe you are the person who doesn’t give a fuck what anyone thinks. 🤷🏻♂️
I hope I am one day a sort of Patronus Charm that my kids can utilize to guard themselves crippling thoughts.
I want to be remembered as that guy that once threw his socks in the hamper and BOTH went in.
Woah there buddy, let’s be realistic here!
Right now, knowing my public execution won’t be cause for national celebration is a weirdly comforting bit of knowledge.
I have no need to be remembered by anyone. Memories and legacies are fake human constructs that we’ve made up. We live approx 60ish years and then die. Only kids and or some relatives/spouses will remember you for another few decades before they die too and you’re completely forgotten.
To hang onto the idea that you must leave a legacy behind and be remembered by other people just adds unnecessary stress to one’s life. Not a single person cares about anyone except for themselves (save for some people who may care in some manner about their significant others, kids, maybe a best friend).
I hope friends will occasionally remember having fun with me and smile.
“I don’t want to be remembered, I want to live” (paraphrased)
-CGP Grey
Like this:
Actually I really like the idea that I will die and join the legions of humans who lived interesting lives and disappeared in the sands of time.
“Drowned in the Caspian Sea.”
I don’t need people to remember me, personally by name or what I looked like, but I would be happy if others would be positively affected by whatever I manage to accomplish in this life.
The same as I live - I just hope people say about me that I am a good guy who is nice to people. I would like to be remembered as a person who gives more than he takes.
The one after Luigi.
Someone who worked an honest life. Not someone who took advantage of others directly or indirectly (working for a scummy company). I observed many places abusing uninformed customers for work. It was sickening seeing these guys tack on random shit to the bill since they knew they could trick the customer.
For the women reading, you are often targeted and scammed this way. Learn about what you are getting fixed so you know if the bill is bullshit. Ive seen places press a couple buttons on a computer and charge for replacing the OS, updating drivers and other nonsense.
Contractors and service places (repair and automotive shops) are prime examples. I know good contractors who don’t like being watched, but you as the paying customer deserve and have the right to watch. Once a plumber stole 600$ from my grandpa’s wallet, money he was going to give to his grandkids. I worked for an honest computer shop I was proud of, but it was constantly on the verge. It was extremely depressing.
Now after a career change (woodworking) I hope to provide decent products for an honest price. Materials and equipment + labour (with an hourly rate of a livable wage).
Not afraid of death, not afraid of being forgotten, not afraid of some spiritual afterlife or lack thereof.
I spent a long time religious with such a heavy focus on what happens after death, being free of that burden makes it possible to live in the only moment we can ever control in all of eternity, now.
vaguely
