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How do you want to be remembered?
As a sinner or a saint, as a hero or a villain?
Think about the steps you take
For the longest time, I have told myself that I do not want to be remembered. The need to be remembered is as futile as every other thing. I would rather just live meaningfully through the things I do and hopefully leave this planet a better place.
No matter how detailed the experiences of one's life it would all be encapsulated in a memory which in most cases is an under-representation of a life that was lived. Not even a documentary can cover the full essence of life. So I consider living to be remembered unimportant, to say the least.
Life is devoid of meaning and we all are saddled with the responsibility of creating meaning (out of nothing). Thus, I really can't tell what anyone should do with their life. If you want your name written in the sands of time, then that should be a worthy pursuit for you.
I on the other hand derive meaning through learning, observing and creating. I am the best version of myself when I am engaged in these activities and I will continue to do so for as long as I can.
Maybe in the process, I can touch a few lives (that would be great). I want to get to a point in my life where I am not focused on my wants and needs, so I can give as much of myself as I can to the world. It is the closest thing to a fulfilled life, in my opinion.
Rather than being remembered, I would rather create memories worth remembering. In other words, I want my life to matter to me. Whatever meaning other people derive from it is left to them, which is far beyond my control.
The truth is people would remember you and your legacy how they want to. In most cases, when your life is scrutinized it is through the inhumane lenses of critics. Plus the narratives will always be plural.
For instance, some people think I am selfish and greedy. That’s the best way they can interpret my actions and I do not see the need to change that narrative. Why? Well because there are people who also see my humanity and appreciate it. For that, I am eternally grateful.
If I ever want to be remembered for anything, it will be for the love and passion I have for the things that matter to me (family, friends, etc). I would want to be remembered by the people I love and hopefully, my memory would be a pleasant one.