Chris Gill on Legacy - Creative On Purpose

1 Jan 2019 · 1 min

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1:27

In this interview excerpt, the guest (presumably Chris Gill) discusses the meaning of legacy, drawing on Marcus Aurelius to argue that true legacy stems from living fully in the present and embodying one's best self. He emphasizes that confronting mortality is best achieved not by dwelling on death but by striving to live well now. According to him, the impact one has on others is determined more by who they are than by what they do, and sharing that authentic self constitutes the most meaningful legacy. The conversation frames legacy as an organic result of present‑moment authenticity rather than a separate, extra effort.

What's the significance of legacy, if any?
Well, I think what— well, again, perhaps I can refer to Marcus on this, Marcus Aurelius, because he wonderfully brings together the sense that in a sense we all live now. We all have to live now at this very moment in time. And it is by living now and by doing all we can now, by trying to live up to our— the best selves we can now, that we can also confront really our mortality. Because that's the best way to— we have— death occurs, of course it will come, but the best way to confront it is not to dwell on it, but to live life as fully and well as you can. And that's also the best legacy that you can leave. Because the most effect you have on people really is by who you are. It's not exactly what you do, it's what you are. And if you can share that in a way, then that's really the most you can do. So it isn't anything extra, it's just trying to live well. That's what matters.
I think that is a profound point, and at the half-hour mark we're going, I think, that is the point at which we'll leave things, but I would love for you to share