Who lives, Who dies, Who tells your story

Legacy? What is a legacy?

The song "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story" from the musical Hamilton has always struck a chord with me deeply.

In the opening lines, George Washington sings-

Let me tell you what I wish I'd known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

It's a thought-provoking song that sends chills down my spine and ignites a profound sense of introspection. It compels me to contemplate the idea of legacy. With the recent tragic passing of the five passengers of the Titan submarine, the question once again arose in my mind. Although I began writing this spontaneously a few months ago, I felt compelled to capture and express these thoughts now in the wake of the tragedy.

Throughout our lives, we strive to make our existence meaningful, hoping to leave a lasting impression that ensures we are remembered. In today's world, many individuals strive to leave a lasting impact or pursue immortality through grand historical acts. However, not all legacies are positive, as evidenced by the dark presence of individuals in history. Additionally, in our quest to secure a lasting legacy, we inadvertently overlook the value of what matters the most, the present. This dialogue by Odysseus in the movie Troy (2004) encapsulates the idea-

“Men are haunted by the vastness of eternity. And so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries? Will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?”

Personally, I find the notion of being remembered after I'm gone quite surreal. The concept of my memory living on after death feels uncertain and transient. Memories themselves are mere fragments of a life lived. Instead, I find solace in the possibility that an idea I've contributed may be remembered, as ideas hold the potential to live beyond time and connect with future generations. The prospect of being discussed as a person by the generation ahead would mean misunderstanding and a loss of relevance. The internet and social media have made our online presence everlasting, creating a digital legacy beyond time's boundaries. My newsletters are on the internet forever, that is an insane idea. However, I realise that others shape the perception of who we are online, and our true complexity may not be fully captured even during our life. So our control over how we're interpreted and remembered online is limited, similar to our physical existence.

Thoughts of mortality have crossed my mind on numerous occasions, evoking both positive and negative emotions. Like most people, I fear the inevitability of death. However, I take Morrie’s advice-

“It is only when we learn to die, that we learn to live.”

In a way, I appreciate the existence of this concept, as it serves as a reminder to make the most of the time we have.

It's often the case that we only truly value something or someone once it is lost. Do we only recognize the significance of our presence when we are no longer here? Are we truly appreciated for who we are while we inhabit this planet? How frequently do we encounter famous individuals who go unnoticed until after their passing, revealing their incredible contributions?

Does our appreciation for life only surface through experiences of loss? These questions evoke introspection and invite us to contemplate the profound nature of existence.

“Every man has two deaths when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways men can be immortal." -Ernest Hemingway”

In John Green's novel "The Fault in Our Stars,", Hazel’s reply to Augustus saying his biggest fear was ‘Oblivion’ struck a chord with me.

“I just wanna say… there will come a time when, you know, all of us are dead. It might be tomorrow. Might be a million years from now but… it’s gonna happen. And when it does, enough generations will come and go, there’ll be no one left to remember Cleopatra. Or Mozart. Or Muhammad Ali, let alone any of us. Oblivion’s inevitable, dude. And if that scares you, well, I suggest you ignore it. God knows it’s what everyone else does. “If the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore it. God knows that’s what everyone else does.”

Hazel's response encourages embracing the idea of not being remembered as a beautiful gift. It is liberating to acknowledge that our place in history holds no purpose beyond what we created during our time on Earth. I am living life truly living the phrase, “You just aren’t that important!”

Our place in history holds no purpose beyond what we created during our time on Earth. Time itself becomes the narrator, controlling who lives, who dies, and who tells our stories. We, as humans, possess limited control over how our stories are portrayed and remembered.

Stories hold immense power in shaping our understanding of the world. The perception of greatness can shift over time, turning once-celebrated figures into public enemies. Accepting the idea of being forgotten after death brings me solace, as it allows me to live my life authentically and define my own narrative.

Therefore, the idea of being forgotten after my time on Earth brings me solace. It grants me relief, knowing that my life is solely mine to live and define.

Even if my life were to be remembered, it would be through perceptions or an idea of who I was. Recognising my own imperfections as a human, attempting to control a narrative after my time on Earth would hold no true power or significance.

We can find comfort in the fact that our place in eternity is fleeting. Very few people discuss the idea of death as Morrie does. Yes, this book again but his book has been a life guide ever since I read it.

Morrie's words resonate deeply: "Death ends a life, not a relationship."

The love we create and the impact we have on others allow us to live on in their hearts even after we're gone. By living authentically, cherishing the present, and making a positive impact, we can leave behind a legacy that aligns with our true selves.

I would love to hear your thoughts! Please comment down below your thoughts on this topic.