How to Leave a Legacy

People, in general, don’t like the idea of dying. Especially those who are active and ambitious. They feel that the future holds something amazing, that there's much more to see, much more hustle to experience, and that something great awaits them beyond the horizon. They think that there is so much left undone, much of which has already been done before them, but they still need to live to see the miracle.

People, in general, don’t like the idea of dying. Especially those who are active and ambitious. They feel that the future holds something amazing, that there's much more to see, much more hustle to experience, and that something great awaits them beyond the horizon. They think that there is so much left undone, much of which has already been done before them, but they still need to live to see the miracle.

Then, as they approach 50, most of them begin to understand that no matter how much technology, medicine, and health care advance, it doesn’t change the inevitable fate of death. Even if you live 20 or 30 years longer, it doesn't make much difference in the end. And with that comes the desire to do something great, something that would make them live forever in people’s memories. To make people know who did it and to be celebrated, to be remembered as "a great guy." But the truth is, once you’re gone, none of that matters anymore. All that truly matters is how you live while you’re still here.

So, what can one do to stay alive virtually after death, and how long can that memory last?

1. Make Money – And pass it on to your children. But without proper preparation, the wealth will only last for about three generations, or roughly 50 years. After that, your grandchildren will be left with nothing but family silver and heirlooms, and perhaps some memories.

2. Build a House – If it's not a monument or museum, it will likely last only for 50-70 years before being demolished for new developments.

3. Put up a Tall Gravestone – Cemeteries in cities usually last no more than 100 years before being replaced by new buildings or roads. In rural areas, they may last a bit longer but eventually fade away.

4. Buy More Stuff – Collecting things? Within a year after death, your collections will be sold for pennies. Only a few items may survive if they have real artistic or historical value.

5. Write a Book – 99% of books are forgotten even during the author's lifetime. Only a few rare genres—like religion, philosophy, and science—might stand the test of time, while most other works will quickly fade away.

6. Make a Scientific Discovery – If you’re lucky, your work might last centuries. But even if you do something extraordinary, often your name will be overshadowed by your backers or collaborators.

7. Create a Religion – You can create a small cult, or if you’re lucky, a widespread religion. But if you want your name to live on, make sure your followers are many and willing to spread the word.

8. Have Children – Statistically, great families usually regress to the average within two or three generations.

9. Make a Big Mistake – Doing something disastrous might make your name unforgettable, but history has a short memory, and your mistakes will soon be overshadowed by newer tragedies.

10. Set a Sports Record – Most records will be broken within a few decades. But if you create your own sport and are the first, you might be remembered longer.

11. Create Art – It’s a gamble. Some artworks may last centuries, but others will fade away quickly unless you are in the right place at the right time.

12. Start a Business – Most businesses close soon after the founder’s death. Only a few businesses live on for generations.

13. Go into Politics – Changing the world from a bureaucratic position is extremely difficult. The odds are that your efforts won’t be remembered outside your circle.

Ultimately, the realistic lifespan of any great legacy is the span of another human lifetime. After that, regardless of ambition, the person will be forgotten.