examples of legacy essay

15 Legacy Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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legacy examples and definition, explained below

A legacy refers to the things you leave behind in this world after you die. It doesn’t only refer to physical things, but it also refers to the impact you make on the world that resonates long after you’re gone.

As we get on in life, we increasingly reflect upon what our legacy might be.

To identify what your legacy should be, it’s best to reflect upon your personal values. You’d want to pass-on those values to the next generation. You can do this through your actions while alive, as well as how you distribute your assets once you die.

Below are some examples of how you could create your long-lasting legacy.

Legacy Examples

1. passing-down family traditions.

After a parent or grandparent dies, we often continue to remember them and celebrate them through the traditions they gave is in life.

One that’s personal to me is my family’s Friday night dinners. We started these when my grandfather was in his 60s. We would go to my grandfather’s house, order take-out fish and chips, and all eat together, sharing stories of our weeks.

To this day, long after he is gone, when our family gets together for Friday night dinner, it’s a part of his legacy . We continue this habit as a way to celebrate him, but also as a way to bring the family together – which is exactly what he wanted to pass-on to us.

2. Setting up a Scholarship Fund

Some wealthy people might decide to set up a scholarship fund for the disadvantaged as a way to leave a legacy.

My sister always talks about this – we went to an average old state school that was, like most, underfunded. But she was ambitious and loved to learn, and she empathizes with other working-class kids like her. So, she would love to set up a scholarship for poor and underprivileged children as a way to pass-on some home and support for people with whom she empathizes.

3. Donating your Money

To take the above point in another direction, many people decide that they’ll donate their money when they die to a range of causes close to their hearts.

In fact, some people prefer to do this while they’re alive so they can see their legacy before they die. One example of this is the giving pledge , a pledge by billionaires to give away all of their money.

The great thing about this approach is you can sit down with your lawyer when you write your will and talk through the wide range of charities and causes that are close to your heart, distributing your assets across each of those charitable causes.

4. Passing-Down your Values

Passing-down your values and beliefs is perhaps more important and feasible than giving away money. Everyone can do this one – rich or poor.

For example, many people say that their children are their legacy, because their children are the people who carry-forward the family values you instilled in them in your childhood.

To leave a legacy of values, all you need to do is live a principled life – share your values every day and that’s how you’ll be remembered when you’re gone.

5. A Family Home

Some people feel that the best way to leave a legacy is to build something . Architects must feel this way, driving around looking at all the buildings they designed.

But for many of is, it’s the family home that we leave behind.

This is particularly strong for my father, who built our family’s home with his own hands. Now, as he gets older, he feels very proud of that house, where he raised his children and looked after all of us. That house is a part of his legacy.

6. A Family Vacation Tradition

My wife’s family get together every August for a week. We go to the same lake resort each year and the aunts, uncles, and cousins get a week to catch up and maintain relationships.

This legacy comes from the matriarch of the family, who set aside money so she could pay each year for the accommodations. This ‘free holiday’ for the whole family is her legacy – making sure the tribe stays strong long after she’s gone by bringing everyone together and reinforcing the importance of family.

7. Legacy Memberships

Perhaps the most famous of legacy memberships is the legacy admissions policies of ivy league universities. These policies give easy access to the children and grandchildren of graduates, helping the younger generation to skip the queue.

For example, if a grandfather went to Yale University, he might be able to get that granddaughter into the university without having to jump through all the hoops that other children need to jump through.

This legacy is all about passing-on advantages, social capital, and institutional cultural capital to your children and grandchildren, which can give them a hand-up in life.

8. Heirlooms

Another very common legacy is the passing-on of family heirlooms, such as precious jewelry, war medals, the family tartan (for the Scottish!), and so forth.

These heirlooms might have very high monetary value or, more commonly, pass-on family stories and folklore that contain narratives about family pride, the family’s core values , and the importance of taking pride in your heritage.

For example, a grandfather who passes-on his WWII medals to his grandchildren is ensuring they know the legacy of their family, who stood tall and fought for the freedoms they enjoy each day.

9. Oral Histories

Another way to pass-on your legacy is to through storytelling. The oral histories of your family, from stories of greatness from the past to storylines about family values, help to ensure your belief system and your culture is passed-on to the next generation.

One way this can be done is by continuing to share the stories you heard in childhood that present the morals, values, and traditions of your culture. This is particularly common in cultures with strong oral folklore cultures, such as Aboriginal Australians with their Dreaming Stories.

Another way could be to pen your own memoir. This can be read by descendants for years to come, learning about their heritage and family background.

10. Family Recipes

Many families will have their ‘secret family recipes’. They get passed on as a way to build family connections and sense of connectedness between relatives.

My grandmother on my father’s side, for example, passed down a few special recipes to my mother, which was a special bonding opportunity for the two of them. These special family recipes are brought to family gatherings and form a part of the family culture that are passed-on as a legacy from one generation to the next.

11. Mentorship

In the workplace, many people in leadership positions start to think about how to mentor the next generation and pass-on their wisdom .

For example, a successful businessman might mentor a promising up-and-coming entrepreneur with the intention for that younger person to take over the business, or even take the skills and start their own new business. This can be an extremely rewarding way to pass-on your crystalized knowledge from years of experience.

Similarly, an older sportsperson might mentor younger sportspeople.

See More: Mentorship Examples

12. Letters to the Future or Time Capsules

A sweet way to create your legacy is to write a letter to your children or grandchildren that they can open on important days in their lives, such as on graduation day, on their wedding day, and the day their child is born.

These letters allow you to slow-drip messages through the generations and act as a way to continue to share your values, love, and influence on your family long after you’re gone.

An alternative to this is to create a time capsule – a box with instructions not top open it for 20, 30, 40, or even more years into the future. This way, when descendants open the time capsule, they can look in awe at times past.

13. Land Preservation

Many environmentalists crate a legacy by buying areas of untouched prime wilderness land. This can protect nature for future generations to enjoy.

Furthermore, it’s a way to save land for endangered and threatened wildlife, which can then go on to be preserved long after you’re gone.

One famous person who did this was Douglas Tompkins , the founder of the brand The North Face , who spent millions to buy wild land in Patagonia, Chile, to save the 2000 remaining wild South Andean deer from extinction.

14. Your Career Work

Another sure-fire way to leave a legacy is to choose a career that does good for the world. This might include going into a career in an NGO, fighting for workers’ rights, or fighting for the protection of the environment.

Similarly, my parents – both teachers – find solace in the fact their entire careers were about educating the next generation, giving them a leg-up, and helping them to reach their goals. As such, their legacy lives on in the many thousands of children they educated and supported throughout their lives.

15. Financial Inheritance

Perhaps the most basic of legacies is the passing-down of your savings and investments to your children.

There is always debate about the best way to do this. Some might argue passing-on too much money will make our children spoiled, and that they need to go out and earn their living to truly appreciate their money.

For example, Bill Gates has said he won’t be passing-down his money, arguing “It’s not a favor to kids to have them have huge sums of wealth. It distorts anything they might do, creating their own path.” ( see source ).

Others, though, might wish to pass-on their money to their children and grandchildren as a way to make their life easier, help them get ahead in life, and help them to be comfortable.

Your legacy is yours to craft the way you want. Whether it’s by passing-on values, physical heirlooms, buildings you’ve constructed, money, memoirs, or anything else, it’s all about passing-down some sort of value to the next generation. Ideally, it would be about reflecting on how to leave a better future for the people you leave behind, and perhaps, be remembered for your great values and great contribution to this world.

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
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112 Legacy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

When it comes to writing a legacy essay, the topic you choose can greatly impact the depth and significance of your piece. Legacy essays are a powerful way to reflect on the impact of your life and the ways in which you hope to be remembered. If you'''re struggling to come up with a topic for your legacy essay, fear not! We'''ve compiled a list of 112 legacy essay topic ideas and examples to inspire you:

The legacy of my family'''s immigration story
The lessons I learned from my grandparents
How my cultural heritage shapes my legacy
The impact of a teacher on my life
Reflecting on my childhood dreams and aspirations
My journey to finding my passion and purpose
Overcoming adversity and leaving a lasting impact
The legacy of my volunteer work in my community
Learning to embrace failure and grow from it
The importance of self-care in building a lasting legacy
Honoring the memory of a loved one through my actions
The legacy of my career and professional achievements
How I hope to inspire future generations
Reflecting on the impact of my friendships and relationships
The lessons I learned from my mistakes and setbacks
The legacy of my environmental activism and advocacy
How my faith and spirituality shape my legacy
The impact of my mentor on my personal and professional growth
Leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion
The legacy of my creative pursuits and artistic endeavors
Reflecting on the impact of my education and academic achievements
The lessons I learned from traveling and experiencing different cultures
The legacy of my entrepreneurial spirit and business ventures
How I hope to leave a positive impact on the world
The importance of integrity and honesty in building a legacy
Reflecting on the impact of my leadership and mentorship
The legacy of my commitment to social justice and equality
How I hope to be remembered by my loved ones
The lessons I learned from facing my fears and taking risks
The legacy of my commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth
Reflecting on the impact of my health and wellness journey
The importance of resilience and perseverance in leaving a lasting legacy
How I hope to leave a legacy of innovation and creativity
The legacy of my dedication to community service and philanthropy
The lessons I learned from balancing work and life
Reflecting on the impact of my love for nature and the outdoors
The legacy of my commitment to mental health awareness and advocacy
How I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and inspiration
The importance of gratitude and appreciation in building a legacy
Reflecting on the impact of my commitment to personal development and growth
The lessons I learned from my experiences with grief and loss
The legacy of my commitment to self-reflection and introspection
How I hope to leave a legacy of forgiveness and reconciliation
The impact of my commitment to lifelong friendships and relationships
Reflecting on the lessons I learned from my role models and mentors
The legacy of my commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation
How I hope to be remembered for my acts of kindness and generosity
The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building a legacy
Reflecting on the impact of my commitment to social change and activism
The lessons I learned from my experiences with diversity and inclusion
The legacy of my commitment to personal finance and wealth management
How I hope to leave a legacy of empathy and understanding
The impact of my commitment to self-care and mental health awareness
Reflecting on the lessons I learned from my experiences with addiction and recovery
The legacy of my commitment to building strong and healthy relationships
How I hope to be remembered for my sense of humor and positive attitude
The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building a lasting legacy
Reflecting on the impact of my commitment to personal growth and development
The lessons I learned from my experiences with self-doubt and insecurity
The legacy of my commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability
How I hope to leave a legacy of resilience and perseverance
The impact of my commitment to social justice and equality
Reflecting on the lessons I learned from my experiences with mental health
The legacy of my commitment to community service and volunteer work
How I hope to be remembered for my acts of kindness and compassion

With these 112 legacy essay topic ideas and examples, you'''re sure to find inspiration for writing a powerful and meaningful essay that reflects on the impact of your life and the legacy you hope to leave behind. Whether you choose to focus on your personal experiences, relationships, achievements, or values, your legacy essay has the potential to inspire and touch the hearts of those who read it. So take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and the legacy you want to create, and let your words shine a light on the impact you hope to have on the world.

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How to Write a Legacy Statement – The Most Important Gift You Will Leave Behind

by Dawn Franks | Mar 20, 2018

Tiny stacks of 35-millimeter slides covered the dining room table. One by one I passed them through the slide viewer. The story of my parents’ earliest years together unfolded from Okinawa to North Carolina to Colorado and Texas. Pictures are only part of the story.

Several years ago, dad sent me a handwritten letter , more like a long list of notes that wind through place and time. That’s another part of our story.

Soon, I’ll be able to view the slides I selected on a DVD. For me, these memories combined with the notes are a part of the family story that has become our legacy.

Several months before my mother passed away, my dad gave my brother a cigar box of letters written by my mother while he was on a temporary duty assignment. The letters, written almost daily, provide a diary of activities, from the childhood antics of my toddler brother and an oh so four-year-old grownup self to cousins and grandparents. Hanging clothes to dry and trips to the grocery store were intermingled with support and encouragement for my dad during training. Ever present was her love.

After my brother handed off the cigar box to me, my dad let me know that he passed it on to us so we would understand how much our mother loved us. Indeed, her love is obvious in those letters, and so much more. She described our budding personalities, and sometimes what she predicted for our futures. Slides, notes, and letters make up the family legacy.

Have you shared your family story with children and grandchildren? Your story is your legacy.

Create a Legacy Statement

Your legacy statement will leave a record of what you hope to pass on to the next generation .

Legacy statements are non-binding and simpler than ever to put on paper. Few of us handwrite anything these days, so lack of pen and paper or cramps from writing are no excuse. You can find examples and tips online for writing your story, your legacy statement.

Simply put, a legacy statement is a record of what you want to leave behind, your hopes and dreams for the next generation . It is not a record of all you have accomplished, apologies or a list of failures. It is an account of the things that mattered most in your life, the lessons you learned and the values you cherish most.

The Legacy of Permission and Responsibilities

Sometimes, a legacy statement provides permission to the next generation to take different paths, explore new ideas and yet often it is a reflection on the responsibilities left by the previous generation and your best guidance for the future.

Not Your Standard Legacy

A standard definition of legacy, a gift by will of money or personal property, can prevent us from recognizing the value of our family story. There is another definition: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor. Legacies include gifts of money and property and, just as important, the story of our lives, the values we tried to live by, the lessons we learned, what we started and hope others will continue.

Here are a few ideas on what to include in your legacy statement.

Identify the principles and values most important to you.
Describe the most important role you played in life – your family role, work role, and roles in the community are all a part of your story, your legacy.
Describe your faith and how it impacted your life and decisions.
Describe a meaningful story from your parents and grandparents and how it influenced your life decisions.
Describe what made you laugh, made you sad, or made you stop to reflect ?
Explain significant giving decisions and the spirit of philanthropy you hope the next generation will continue.
Let the next generation know what you most want others to remember about you .

There is no perfect template for a Legacy Statement. But do sign and date it . Share it now with the next generation and leave a copy with important papers such as your will and estate documents.

For most of us, our life story is our legacy. Share your story . It might be the most important gift you leave to the next generation.

Like it? Use it. Share it. Comment below.

12 Comments

Wonderful article. Thanks for encouraging people to actively shape their legacy. This blog can change people’s lives.

Thank you, Dawn, for a wonderful idea. I love it that your sweet Mom left you a treasure of letters.

Thank you for sharing Dawn. Your wisdom & encouraging words are always appreciated. Love your insight… Happy Easter! ? ❤️?

Thank you for sharing this. Its true always tell our past stories to our child or our grandchild so they will help them to keep connected with our traditions and customs.

Everyone has a purpose in life. Each and every person is born into this world for a certain reason. Some people can easily find their purpose early on in their lives, while others might have to spend half of their lifetimes trying to figure out the reason why they are here. Nonetheless, regardless of time, everyone has the capacity to find meaning in life.

A debt of gratitude is in order for urging individuals to effectively shape their heritage. This blog can transform people. I love it that your sweet Mom left you a fortune of letters. It actually consistently recount our past stories to our youngster or our grandkid so they will assist them with keeping associated with our conventions and customs.

Nice article. Legacy is not about property its all about the value of life. Encouraging article.

This is so enriching, practical and such a lifetime blessing. Much thanks!

I love the tips and advice in your article. You explained it well and I guess I am going to apply these in my future writing project. You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.

What will my legacy be? As I grow older and my health becomes challenging I think about it more. Thank you for this article and your wise words and insights.

Thank you for putting this out there. I agree with your opinion and I hope more people would come to agree with this as well.

So grateful to have stumbled upon this Blog site. I pondered my legacy for years only to realize I was living my legacy. Thank you for providing the inspiration and space for me to stop “pondering” and start writing and creating my legacy. Roxanna

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127 Legacy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best legacy topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on legacy, ⭐ interesting topics to write about legacy, 📌 simple & easy legacy essay titles.

Heritage Tourism and Cultural Tourism In the preservation of the sites for tourism purposes, it is clear that what is termed as the “culture of today” becomes the heritage of the future. There is a need to unveil the complexity […]
The Mughal Empire: Culture and Heritage The combination of the regions’ economic independence, the tensions between Hindus and Muslims, and the penetration of the subcontinent by the European economic powers led to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
The Legacy of the Arabic Female Poetry: Al-Khansa Al-Khansa is considered one of the greatest Arabic poetesses of the classical period. To a large extent, the death of her most beloved brother Sakhr defined Al-Khansa’s poetic style known as ritha, or mourning elegy.
Heritage Tourism vs. Cultural Tourism Definition In contrast, cultural tourism fails to consider the experience of the past and is more concerned with the meeting the needs of the visitors.
Local Museums and Their Cultural Heritage Perhaps, lack of this information is to hide the miseries of the past and assist the Asian-Americans to concentrate in the positive part of history.
Umm Al-Nar: Geoarchaeology and Cultural Heritage This report aims at revealing the essentials of the Umm al-Nar site along with its significance in the framework of cultural heritage and tourism to understand the role of this geoarchaeological complex in nowadays national […]
Art, Literature, and Culture: Heritage of the XX Century To portray the events of the twentieth and the twenty-first century I want to create a virtual time capsule that will be buried at this point and opened many years later.
King Solomon: Life and Legacy According to the Book of Kings and the Book of Chronicles, Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba. David was the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and a direct ancestor […]
Heritage and Cultural Tourism Those in support of the claim that the two types of tourism meaning the same continue to say that the features that can be used to differentiate between the two types of tourism are the […]
The Life and Legacy of John Wesley Wesley was not like any other minister of the gospel but he was a courageous and spirit-filled minister of the gospel who preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, impacting millions of people.
Indian vs. American Cultural Heritage and Traditions Usually, the representatives of different races and nationalities enter countries that are not their native, adding diversity to the homogeneous people of that state.
Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Legacy In the background of this pressure Alexander took up his campaign to Persia, conquering the people of the country and then taking their wealth and the surviving soldiers to his empire.
Tourism Management of the National Parks and Heritage The National parks are credited for being major tourist attraction sites as compared to national heritage and promotion of the tourism industry as they have what the tourist wants to see, that is, the beauty […]
Leadership Legacy Issues The ability of leadership to attain results is dependent on many factors such the followers, the environment, resources, and activities that go towards the achievement of the goals that the leadership is established to attain.
Third World Liberation: Legacy of the TWLF at UC Berkeley Although the goal of the Third World Liberation Front to establish an independent third world college on campus was not realized at the height of this activist movement in 1969, the movement strongly influenced future […]
Japanese Kimono: A Part of Cultural Heritage The other reason behind the waning popularity of the kimono is the intricate design used in its knitting. In the beginning of the 18th century, the name of this garment was changed to kimono.
The Changing Legacy of Christopher Columbus The current legacy of Columbus states that he was the first person to discover America and that he had set sail to prove that the Earth was round and hence an oceanic voyage westward would […]
Jainism: The Legacy of Lord Mahavira All the same, he was a great leader who is still respected by the followers of this religion up to date.
Gwendolyn Brooks’ Poetical Legacy Here, like in “We Real Cool” the use of consonance and assonance is more visible. Gwendolyn Brooks uses dactyl, like in “Sadie and Maud” to deliver the confident, purposeful mood of the poem.
Leadership Legacy: Definition and Goals Whatever they impact on these people will be forwarded to the future of the organization and thus the leaders should see to it that they impact a positive legacy to the people.
India’s Cultural Heritage: Individuality and Behavior The younger the generation, the easier it becomes to get used to the world that is around and so, the transition into the new population and culture is almost unnoticeable.
Duke Ellington Life and Legacy Duke Ellington was known widely to be one of the greatest composer and musician of jazz music in the 20th century.
Sappho of Creative Heritage: Fragment 31 The Fragment 31 by Sappho is a masterpiece that celebrates being in love and demonstrates the pain of inner feelings because of unrequited love.
Family’s Heritage of Liberian Family There is the Mela group which is compromised of the Kissi and Gola and they are considered the oldest in the region.
Historical Legacy of the Twentieth Century The end of the century was marked by more positive happenings, such as the collapse of the communist regime and gaining of independence by many countries.
The Lascaux Caves as World Heritage Sites There are seven sections of the Lascaux caves namely: “the Great Hall of the Bulls, the Painted Gallery, the Lateral Passage, the Chamber of Engravings, the Main Gallery, the Chamber of Felines, and the Shaft […]
Architecture and Cultural Heritage: Pride and National Identity In it, one will find a lot of information about the history of Dubai and the manner in which its people lived in the past.
The Way Bilingual People Perceive Their Cultural Heritage Amy Tan writes in her essay “Mother’s tong” about the memories of her childhood, the inability of her mother to speak English as if it was her native language, and the ways it influenced the […]
Journey Through Time and Culture: Exploring China’s Rich Heritage and Festivals At the same time, China is in “relative isolation from the outside world,” which allows the country to preserve its traditional cultural heritage. In conclusion, China is one of the most amazing and unusual countries […]
Why Shakespearean Legacy Still Matters First, Shakespeare’s work is universal and timeless. Relatable characters and themes weave the stories in Shakespeare’s plays.
Modern Turkey, Ottoman Legacy and Westernization Many of the country’s customs and practices, such as the traditional Turkish greeting and the importance of hospitality, have their roots in the Ottoman period.
The Pulley System: History and Heritage The pulley system is a set of wheels and a rope, one end of which is attached to fixed object, while the other one is fixed on an object that has to be lifted.
African Art and Cultural Heritage An example of expressive individualism is the artistic creation of the Dan people. Unlike the static form of traditional Western sculpture, African art depicts dynamics and readiness for movement.
The Significance and Legacy of Altar Q in Copan The Maya site of Copan is one of the most important monuments of civilization. Moreover, the monument is of historical importance and allows one to trace the royal dynasty of the Maya civilization.
Brazilian Quilombos’ Heritage, Memory and Identity From the perspective of the indigenous population, the mechanization of the process because it diminishes the role of people in the creation itself.
Christian Heritage of North Carolina It is required to establish the background of the Christian Church organization in order to offer a brief history of the North Carolina Christian Conference.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy and Modern-Day Criticism King was linked to the development of the civil rights movement as it was considered to cause a lot of revolution in the country through the use of peaceful demonstrations, which succeeded in the attainment […]
Architectural Heritage: Digital Preservation The main aims of digital preservations are; to enable the supply of heritage through digital outlets to large audiences, to guarantee that initial measurements and forms of natural heritage are not lost in case of […]
The Prince Edward Theatre as English Heritage The auditorium is in a prime position in the heart of the West End, making it easy for theatre-goers to access.
Cultural Heritage and Human Rights in France For example, the imagination of the inhabitants of this region manifested itself vividly in many ways during the development and construction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Methodist Doctrinal Heritage Methodism is one of the currents of Protestantism that originated in the 18th century within the Anglican Church, the founder of which is John Wesley.
African Heritage in the Caribbean It is reasonable to conclude that most individuals in the Caribbean associate with Africa and its cultures since they cherish and acknowledge their forefathers, shipped from the continent to the Caribbean by Europeans as slaves.
Thomas Jefferson’s Legacy in American Memory The text is valuable as it validates my other sources and provides detailed accounts of Jefferson’s position on the issue of slavery.
The History of Women’s Heritage Month WHM is a result of countless women’s hardships and devotion from the beginning of the 20th century they steadily fought for the right to be acknowledged and rightfully deserved it.
Astor Piazzolla: Biography, Career, and Legacy The great Astor, an outstanding Argentine composer of the twentieth century, went down in history as the “great transformer of tango,” a true exponent of the music of Buenos Aires and the creator of the […]
Antebellum Slavery’s Role in Shaping the History and Legacy of American Society The novel tells the story of two different times, the 1970s and 1815s, and shows other conditions of the heroes’ existence due to gender and racial characteristics.
African Nationalism as Colonial Legacy The oppression of rural areas and production and the prioritization of the urban population has become the main reason for the spread of poverty among the African population.
Life and Legacy of Dorothea Dix Her childhood was very rough and almost non-existent and it showed in her teaching style and in her later life. She had no childhood and often denied the existence of her parents, which shows how […]
The Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Bill Gates As the president and the CEO of Microsoft Corporation, the market leader in supplying software for personal computers, he became the youngest billionaire in the computer industry.
Life, Achievement, and Legacy to Computer Systems of Alan Turing Turing was quite influential in computer science development, in addition to setting the framework for the formalization of the algorithm concept, in addition to the use of the Turing machine that he developed, for computation.
The Colonial Legacy of the Offenses Against the Person Act in Jamaica, West Indies This paper will examine the impact of the legislation on Jamaica, West Indies in the social context of abortion by tracing the colonial history and outlining both past and present abortion laws on the island […]
The Artistic Legacy of Maya Lin: A Cultural Response to the Vietnam War Major confrontations as the signs of a shift in cultural perspectives and attitudes have always defined the development of art, the Vietnam War being one of the infamous examples of the phenomenon.
The Legacy of Artemisia Gentileschi: One of the Greatest Female Artists of the 16th-17th Centuries During her active years, Gentileschi had to face a great deal of adversity and social resistance, which was not unusual for driven and ambitious women of her era.
Fairness in Schooling: Legacy of the Brown v. Board of Education Decision In the field of education, the ban on co-education of white and black children had been in force for many decades, and one of the turning points that became the driver of repealing this inhuman […]
“The Odyssey” by Homer and Its Legacy: A Romantic Vision of the State Odysseus is known all over the world as one of the most outstanding models of leadership anthemed in the literature of the ancient world.
14th Century Legacy in the Sonnets of Garcilaso Eliot’s theory of the impersonality of poetry: “The only way of expressing emotion in the form of art is by finding an “objective correlative”; in other words, a set of objects, a situation, a chain […]
Emily Carr’s Legacy in Canadian Art History Her remembrance was greatly attributed to the paintings she made, with the main highlights being her pursuit of Canadian spirit in a modern way as was represented in several of her paintings.
The Legacy of the Sixties This led to the formation of a loose coalition grouped under the term the New Left which was united in the struggle against racism and the Vietnam War, as well as the hippie movement which […]
Inheritance and Legacy: August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” Perhaps one of the contributing factors that made this piece entertaining is the characterization of the characters in it. The material inheritance is the piano that had been to the family of Berniece and Boy […]
Heritage – A Sense of Belongingness Global movements like the entry of the heritage monuments in the tourism sector, and along with that interest of private companies have raised many complex issues on the ownership rights of the heritage sites, which […]
The Legacy and Impact of Abraham Lincoln He spoke against the war and stated that God had forgotten to defend the weak and the innocent and permitted the strong band of murderers and demons from hell to kill men, women and children […]
Ottoman Empire’s Legacy to Modern Turkey At the same time, the conservative administrative structure of the Ottoman Empire and the way of ruling the country, which was the authoritative monarchy, allowed only for the development of the already existing branches of […]
Vietnam Shadows: The War, Its Ghosts, And Its Legacy by A.R. Isaacs Isaacs explains his belief that this portrayal of the American soldier in Vietnam is detrimental, saying that this contributed to the sense of much of the American public that the soldiers were responsible for the […]
Haiti: The Duvaliers and Their Legacy This paper seeks to understand the impact of the media on the public having a close look at Haiti and Francois Duvalier’s government.
The Socratic Legacy or the Cynic Legacy The Socratic legacy understand that the moral life is the best life for the agent thus has the central role of linking Socrates’ intuitions of the pre-eminence of morality with the theory of uniform self-interested […]
The Intergenerational Legacy of Trauma Generated in War-Zone Children Despite how the children are recruited into the armed force, child soldiers are victims, and their taking part in conflicts brings serious implications to their physical as well as emotional welfare. The signatories thus have […]
The Spanish Frontier Legacy in Southwest America The lands of the Aztecs were extremely rich in terms of gold and silver, while the Southwest failed to live up to the expectations of the Spanish.
American History: The Legacy of the 1960s The focus on liberation and the reinforcement of the traditionally democratic values resonated with a range of American citizens, causing American society to experience a gradual change in values.
The Second World War and Its Legacy While being spatially distanced from the military conflict that grasped the entirety of Europe at the time, the United States also experienced the drastic effects of WWII, including the tremendous number of human lives devoured […]
Greek Legacy in a Contemporary Democratic State This may be one of the reasons that the application of ethics bestowed upon citizens in Ancient Greece led to its success, and to be referred to as one of the best democracies of its […]
Tourists’ Attitude to Technology in China’s Heritage Tourism This Dissertation critically illustrates the perceptions and attitudes of tourists to the ICT implication in the practice of heritage tourism in China, the response of the tourism industry, and the factors affecting the motivation and […]
Italian Heritage and Its Impact on Life in the US The low rate of career penetration for Italian-Americans in the field of medicine is in part due to a combination of false stereotyping, belief that other ethnicities are simply better in the field of medicine, […]
Identification and Legacy of the US History This land almost doubled the area of the USA and made it one of the widest countries around the globe. This was a mission directed by President Jefferson in the year 1804 to facilitate the […]
Cultural Heritage and the Challenge of Sustainability On the contrary, Maggie and Mama are the ones who realize that heritage is not in the price of artifacts but in the attitude to one’s present-day life.
Clothing and Accessories’ Heritage in Saudi Arabia The aba or abaya is a piece of outer clothing that has gained the most of its popularity among the Bedouin tribes.
Cape Breton’s Cultural Heritage: Traditions of Mi’kmaq People One of the major disadvantages of this strategy is that the fine details of the history may be altered by the narrator. The text by Caplan provides a narrative of the Mi’kmaq way of life […]
Traditional Bedouin Aba as Saudi Arabian Heritage However, with the course of time, instead of the definition of a lifestyle, the term “Bedouin” became the determinant of an identity.
Valletta as a Heritage Tourism Destination It is necessary to note that the city is multinational and this also contributes to a potential interest of tourists coming from different European countries.
Museum of Jewish Heritage and Learning Experience It is also a somber realization since the hate and bigotry that caused the suffering of the Jewish people continues to exist in the world today, albeit in a different form.
Hashima Islands as a World Heritage Site This paper includes insights into the history of the island and provides a brief analysis of the significance of the site as well as the debate on the development of the human society in general […]
African Art and Lega’s People Legacy As Bravmann explains, the culture of the Lega society blends the elements of the colonial Bwamis and the elements of other African cultures: “it is through initiation into Bwami, and through the gradual movement through […]
Counterculture Legacy on People’s Lifestyle The 1960’s are characterized by the a social movement which was called Counterculture and had a great influence on the historical, political and social events in the USA, as well as in the whole world, […]
Management: Integrating Legacy Manufacturing Software The focus of modern manufactures on the integration of the legacy manufacturing software with the ERP system is explained with references to the fact that the result of the integration is the effective management and […]
Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom He also implemented an act on National Banking, which led to the establishment of a common currency in the nation and allowed for the development of a union of all the banks in the nation.
How Confucianism as the Asian American Heritage Has Been Maintained in Asian American Families The Confucian philosophy uses the concepts of training and control and love in the Chinese parenting practices, such that they are deeply involved in the lives of their children.
Cultural Heritage Tourism: Valletta and Venice The capital of Valletta and Venice are two cities in the republic of Malta and the republic of Italy respectively, which have shown competitive architectural designing, and thus form substantial tourism attractions in the two […]
World Heritage Sites: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens Currently, the building is in the process of being restored to the theme that was there in the 20th century. The Royal Exhibition Building is the building and the Carlton garden is the site in […]
Sustainability of Heritage Tourism in Australia The purpose of the plan is to involve the government and other stakeholders, including the corporate organizations to better understand and contribute in protection and conservation of the cultural and heritage assets within the country.
Online Marketing of Heritage Visitor Attractions in Malta Therefore, the specific objectives of this research will be: To conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature in relation to the online marketing of heritage visitor attractions To identify the current supply and demand for […]
The Cultural Heritage of Canada: Values of Each Generation In addition, the percentage of the common law marriages is on the rise. In addition, the law favors women about the custody of children in divorce cases.
World Heritage: The Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens Some of the objectives that were set are to conserve and protect the world heritage value of the sites, to incorporate the protection of the site into a complete planning program and to ensure that […]
The Heritage of the Soviet Union Thus, to understand the future of these countries, it is important to consider political systems within the countries and define factors which resulted in the development of such regimes.
Heritage Tourism and Its Peculiarities To this end, it assesses the strategic locations of the site and the importance of achieving the intended goal, which aims towards the revenue generation and culture preservation.
Heritage Tourism: Megalithic Temples One of the major stakeholders to this tourist destination is the Heritage Malta that is greatly involved in managing the museums and sites.
Bernard Russell’s Philosophical Legacy The Russell’s solution to this is as follows: inconsistencies within the amolecular’ descriptions, to which we resort, while trying to ensure the spatial integrity of our perceptions of the universe, can be eliminated by the […]
Maoist Legacy in Contemporary China Over the subsequent years, after the demise of Mao as a social legend, questions have prevailed whether the idea of social equality is practicable in the contemporary China, with evidence pointing out the reemergence of […]
Thomas Paine’s Vision and Legacy In his simple radicalism and using means he could, that of the pen, Paine used it so effectively that he is credited with the success of the American revolution, the French revolution, and the British […]
Imperialism History and Legacy Moreover, the scramble for Africa by colonial masters began, and this led to the Berlin Conference of 1888. Consequently, massive migration from the colonies into Europe occurred, and this was a key factor to the […]
Thomas Nast’s Life and Legacy He was widely known as a political commentator, and through his work, Nast managed to impact significantly on political arena. For instance, his work as an artist contributed to the success of Abraham Lincoln’s election […]
Walt Disney Company: Entertainment Legacy The Walt Disney Company was established in the year 1923 by two brothers: Roy Disney and Walt Disney. The success of quality is attributed to efficient communication between the customers and the company; customers provide […]
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Life and Legacy Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an influential figure in the United State due to her great contribution to political life as the First Lady of the United States, as well as her active work in social […]
The Burden of Hitler’s Legacy In his opinion, the Jews were to be blamed for Germany’s downfall in World War 1 and the subsequent peace treaty that was a source of embarrassment to the nation.
Japan’s Nuclear Disaster: Fukushima’s Legacy The cladding, the reactor vessel, the containment building, and a dry-wall building were the barriers to protect the nuclear power plant.
An Economic Approach to World Heritage The culture of a given community would determine the history of such a community in terms of architectural designs of the past such as the Great Wall of China and so on.
Our Latin Heritage Concert It is hypnotic and sensuous, with what seems like an unvarying single beat, surrounded by the swirl of a melody that stays largely in major key.
The Experienced Touch at Heritage Christian Home The care and support for the developmentally disabled residents at Heritage Christian Home on Yorktown Road in Penfield, New York, is proving to be a jigsaw puzzle with regard to hiring of the staff to […]
Confucius: Life, Teachings, and Legacy According to him, moral virtue is the only means of ensuring that there is order in the society. His mother thus played the role of the father in bringing up Confucius and it is through […]
Barbie Doll: The History and Legacy The psychology behind the invention of the doll has contributed to the change of perceptions of many women on their roles and capabilities.
History and Heritage in Determining Present and Future History is also a tool used to establish the validity of the current beliefs or ideas held by an individual, society or section of a society and the invalidity of the ideas and beliefs held […]
Nixon’s Legacy, Reaganomics The media was influenced by the aftermath of the Watergate scandal as it gained confidence and a more aggressive approach to investigating and unraveling of scandals in the government in an attempt to facilitate transparency […]
The Legacy of George W. Bush He brought in the support and vote for the Christian Conservatives, and his father was elected as the 41st president of America.
African Americans: The Legacy of Slavery in the U.S. This paper is about the slavery and the struggles that the slaves underwent and the revolution that took place in a bid to have the slaves freed and pronounced as equal American citizens.
Mid-City at the Crossroads: Shaw Heritage Trail Washington, DC is the place where it is always interesting to be, to listen to other people conversions, and to enjoy the sights offered to the tourists, and Neighborhood Heritage Trails provides people with a […]
Memory Research Ideas
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Student Opinion

What Legacy Do You Want to Leave Behind?

By Natalie Proulx

March 21, 2019

Have you ever known someone who has died, whether someone close to you, an acquaintance or even a famous figure? What legacy did the person leave in your life or the world? What made him or her so meaningful or memorable to you?

In “ Want to Leave a Legacy? Be a Mentor ,” Jane E. Brody writes about how making a positive impact can keep people alive in the memories and lives of others:

Encouraged by a grandfatherly professor at Cornell, in my sophomore year I gave a speech asking my fellow students “when you come to the end of your days, will you be able to write your own epitaph?” I urged them to focus on establishing meaningful goals and the legacy they may want to leave when their physical lives end. By legacy, I did not mean money, structures or any other tangible object. I meant the positive impact they might have that would help to keep them alive in the memories and lives of others. Thus, when I read Marc Freedman’s new book, “How to Live Forever: The Enduring Power of Connecting the Generations,” it spoke volumes to me. It reminded me of that dear professor, George Eric Peabody, who was in effect my mentor, encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and develop talents I never knew I had. Professor Peabody, who died in 1967 at age 70, did indeed leave an enviable legacy. As stated in the university’s memorial, he was “an inspiring and challenging teacher in helping thousands of students develop poise, self-confidence and, in his concise words, the ability to ‘stand up — speak up — and shut up.’” Mr. Freedman, the founder of Encore.org and co-founder of Experience Corps , both dedicated to helping older adults find purpose later in life, calls himself a social entrepreneur. Asked what it takes to be a mentor, he said succinctly, “Showing up and shutting up: Being consistent and listening. You don’t have to be a charismatic superhero. You don’t need an advanced degree. It’s more about the relationship than imparting sage advice. The key is not being interest ing . The real key is being interest ed — being present and paying attention.”

The article continues:

Mr. Freedman’s latest endeavor, now in its second year, is called Generation to Generation , a foundation-supported nationwide project that aims to “build a movement of older people focused on the well-being of future generations.” The annual increase in life expectancy attests to the importance of this effort. More and more people are living 20 or 30 years beyond traditional retirement age. Do they all want to spend those “golden years” watching TV, playing cards or golf, reading or traveling? Or might some prefer a more productive and meaningful old age, one that could enrich them physically, mentally and socially, and in some cases economically? “The real fountain of youth is the fountain with youth,” Mr. Freedman said. “It’s spending less time focused on being young and more time focused on being there for the next generation.” As the developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst Erik Erikson said nearly 70 years ago, “I am what survives me.”

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Personal Finance / Legacy

Legacy Essay Examples

Jessie fauset and her legacy.

Jessie Fauset and Dorothy West were ahead of their time and empowering in many ways. More specifically, they were ambitious advocates to women and to African Americans. Jessie Fauset and Dorothy West were prominent leaders during the Harlem Renaissance. Education, writing (magazines, novels, and short...

The Legacy and the Impact of the Midwest Winter Dance Party Tragedy

That is the word that comes to mind whenever anyone hears the names Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens or J. P. Richardson (The Big Bopper). A plane crash that cut three brilliant careers too short, at the end of a tour that was truly insensitive and...

Legacy of John R.w. Stott – an English Anglican Priest and Leader of the Worldwide Evangelical Movement

John R. W. Stott (1921-2011) is known worldwide as a beloved evangelist, preacher, and Scripture enthusiast. He served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he oversaw an urban pastoral ministry. He is thought to be a leader amongst evangelicals in both the...

Life and Legacy of Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton was an English physicist and mathematician renowned for his principles of physics. His most famous work published in 1687 is called the Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica. It has been called “the most influential book on physics”. His three laws of motion resulted...

The Life and Legacy of Marcus Eremita

Marcus Eremita (which actually means Marcus the Hermit) was a very respected person in his era. He had many writing, which we will discuss at a later time. However, to this day, very little is known about his life leading up to him becoming a...

The Life and Legacy of Thomas Paine

This essay is meek analysis of the presentation of the legacy brought from the writings of the famous journalist known as Thomas Paine. Thomas Paine was a man who could write with wisdom and with reason. He was a very intelligent and influential man back...

The Life and Legacy of Mary Wollstonecraft

Through history we learn about great heroes or an enlightenment figure of a certain time. I have chosen an enlightenment figure from 1759- 1797. Mary Wollstonecraft was a feminist writer and a very intellectual woman. She has an impact on women and this is why...

Life and Legacy of Louis Armstrong

“There is two kinds of music, the good, and the bad, I play the good kind. ” ~ Louis Armstrong One of the arts that transcends culture is the art of music. Louis Armstrong was an individual who took the art of music, specifically jazz,...

Life and Legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte

Very rarely does a figure enter the stage who becomes as renowned as Napoleon Bonaparte. Along with the likes of Julius Caesar and William the Conqueror, Napoleon has secured his place in history as a man who, for better or for worse, radically altered its...

Canada's Multicultural Legacy in Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Canada is a federation of two regions and ten provinces. There is a federal degree of government, commonplace or regional degree of government and the third level is that of local government. Forces are conveyed between the areas and the government according to the Canadian...

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