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How do you all feel about wanting to "leave a legacy"? A few years ago, if asked, I probably would have said that I cared whether people knew my accomplishment
by matt1 18y ago
How do you all feel about wanting to "leave a legacy"?
A few years ago, if asked, I probably would have said that I cared whether people knew my accomplishments after I died. Now I'm not so sure. It just seems... misguided.
We shouldn't strive to do great things so that people remember us by them when we're gone; let achievement itself be the goal and everything else will follow.
- deleted 18y ago[deleted]
- there 18y agoleaving a legacy is why i contribute to open source software. i don't do it to become famous or be remembered when i'm gone, i do it to leave something tangible for others to use, to benefit from, and learn from (even if it's learning what not to do). running a company, making money, selling services to customers; these are all short-term things. providing value to customers is great, but let's face it, we all do it for money.
- matt1 18y agoI think you had a bit too much to drink tonight :)
- thwarted 18y agoI think the idea behind leaving a legacy in the post was more along the lines of how people will remember you rather than if, or which of, your specific accomplishments are remembered. I think there is definite value in living your life in such a way that people reflect upon you, your actions, and your ideals favorably and look up to you and strive to be better. I have a friend at a previous job from a decade ago who every so often tells me he gets inspiration on solving some hard technical problem by looking at my old code and configurations; and I do the same for peers and superiors who have had some kind of influence on my life and work habits. Conversely, I've had some terrible bosses who left quite a legacy, such that I'll think "What would X do?" and I do the opposite because their legacy isn't one I look favorably upon.