Another day, another random STSC email that changed my view at life as a youngster, for real. Thank you for writing that, I was so anxious this saturday thinking about new job opportunities, starting a business, making art etc etc, ideias running off my mind... but then you remembered:
- "If you build a business, focus on improving the lives of your customers in the here and now."
That's all that matters. Your father may not had a business, but he did understand that. And it's why he lived a long, fulfilling life.
A fine essay. The idea of affecting legacy after we are gone takes the transactional mindset to a rather high--i mean low--level. This is a thoughtful response.
Since you mentioned FW Woolworth: As it turns out, I live in the Woolworth legacy every day, since my department building was built by FW’s successors and was named for him.
And there was the famous sit-in at the Woolworths lunch counter in NC. The Internet tells me that site is now a civil rights museum.
Following your discussion, though, that’s not an argument for the control of legacy. I doubt young people associate our building with the store or the man. Even though I am old enough to remember the store, I never connected it with the legacy of my building until someone pointed it out after about 20 years! And who knows--it may get renamed soon, as so many architectural and administrative legacies are being questioned and dismantled.) So, we can’t control our legacy -- nor can our grandchildren!
Great reflection on one of life's big questions! I've reflected quite a lot on similar things, and I'm especially reflecting on how it connects with our constant presence here online. I strive to live my analogue life 'to the fullest,' and yet I stumble. Often. But I keep reminding myself that life is for living. So let's do just that!
Another day, another random STSC email that changed my view at life as a youngster, for real. Thank you for writing that, I was so anxious this saturday thinking about new job opportunities, starting a business, making art etc etc, ideias running off my mind... but then you remembered:
- "If you build a business, focus on improving the lives of your customers in the here and now."
That's all that matters. Your father may not had a business, but he did understand that. And it's why he lived a long, fulfilling life.
- "Some build a legacy. Dad built relationships."
Loved it, seriously.
A fine essay. The idea of affecting legacy after we are gone takes the transactional mindset to a rather high--i mean low--level. This is a thoughtful response.
Since you mentioned FW Woolworth: As it turns out, I live in the Woolworth legacy every day, since my department building was built by FW’s successors and was named for him.
And there was the famous sit-in at the Woolworths lunch counter in NC. The Internet tells me that site is now a civil rights museum.
Following your discussion, though, that’s not an argument for the control of legacy. I doubt young people associate our building with the store or the man. Even though I am old enough to remember the store, I never connected it with the legacy of my building until someone pointed it out after about 20 years! And who knows--it may get renamed soon, as so many architectural and administrative legacies are being questioned and dismantled.) So, we can’t control our legacy -- nor can our grandchildren!
Great reflection on one of life's big questions! I've reflected quite a lot on similar things, and I'm especially reflecting on how it connects with our constant presence here online. I strive to live my analogue life 'to the fullest,' and yet I stumble. Often. But I keep reminding myself that life is for living. So let's do just that!
Again, great stuff, and happy belated birthday!
I don’t care about legacy. I jus want to LIVE fully while I’m here. Great piece.