A few years ago (2008?) I attended a lecture by Michael Eric Dyson at the University of Toronto.
A packed room came to hear Michael discuss his latest book April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America (Great, provocative read).
If you've never attended a Dyson lecture or witnessed the breadth of his intellect please do so (YouTube or read one of his books on Black culture, politics, race and the socio-economic condition of African Americans).As part of the lecture Michael shared that MLK lived his life with his legacy in mind.
Lightbulb.
I wish I had the direct quote, but that blew my mind and has shaped my outlook on life and humanity. He challenged us to think about what we'd like people to remember the most about us; what stamp we would like to leave behind when our heart fails to beat and air ceases to flow out of our bodies.
I have since worked that out, each day striving to add another building block to my legacy. The article that inspired this post (see link above) by Jeff Goins on Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, raises the same challenge ... Steve acknowledged death, and lived life fearlessly. His legacy is not limited to technological innovator but as one who lived life to its fullest.
The mark Jobs has made in our lives is immeasurable, even in death he continues to inspire us to be better human beings.
How are you making a difference?
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