A legacy is defined as something that is transmitted from an ancestor to a predecessor. It is one’s imprint that his descendants can be proud of. It is summed up by Erik Erikson, a developmental psychologist, as, “I am what survives of me.” A lot of people may have immaterial legacies such as a family tradition or a genetic trait. Nowadays, it is more ideal and practical to leave a legacy that has pragmatic value. That’s why there are a lot of discussions about wealth protection and how it can be smoothly transitioned into the next generation.
Why is leaving a good legacy important?
Passing on a positive and affirming legacy improves family ties throughout generations. On a similar note, passing on a bad legacy can ultimately be destructive. Leaving a legacy forges lasting connections because it is instinctive for families to preserve legacies and it gives all the members a common ground. A good legacy can yield strong individuals that uphold the proper virtues that make them good citizens. As the basic unit of society, families also have the obligation to be strong and to create good citizens. These are things that can be afforded by legacies.
What are the different types of legacies?
- Emotional legacy – This legacy focuses on the abstract virtues and principles that are necessary for a child to grow into a productive and well-rounded citizen. Giving a child a sense of safety and security while being brought in in a place of love and affirmation will make them prosper.
- Social legacy – This type of legacy is commonly seen in the status quo. There are dynasties of doctors, accountants, and businessmen. This legacy is on the more practical side and involves passing down career tricks and tips. It also includes basic habits that can be turned into a tradition, such as annually acquiring a comprehensive dental care. This also focuses on molding the child’s ability to interact with other people.
What can I make as my legacy?
Your legacy could be anything! It could be passing down your mobile dentistry clinic as a business for your predecessors. It can be passing down your company to your child, of which he could then transfer to his child, and so on. It can be the tradition of spending holidays together. It can be anything, for as long as it has the ability to leave a positive impact on your family, both emotionally and physically.
Leaving a legacy is more than just being remembered beyond a grave. It is bigger than any self-serving purpose there is. A good legacy is powerful enough to strengthen family ties and to yield good citizens. In fact, most strong families are glued together by such legacies. You can do it, too.