Who was that again?

Purpose. When it comes to your life, do you have a vision or a goal of your life's purpose? I believe that most people want to feel appreciated and that their existence has relevance to others. Sometimes it doesn't come down to being appreciated, but a matter of not being forgotten. Would your life have mattered if you didn't leave a dent in the world or an impact on others? This yearning to be remembered probably drove many (in)famous men and women in ancient history to become leaders, visionaries, dictators etc. and shape the world around them - for better or worse. Sometimes I wonder if a subconscious fear of being forgotten shapes the decision of some leaders out there. Being remembered is of great importance to many people after all. For example back in ancient Egypt, Pharaohs would leave countless historical symbols and monuments representing their power, accomplishments, victories etc.. In addition to mummification, their etchings into pillars, monuments, statues was a way to last forever. Of course, when another Pharaoh took over, they sometimes would have their predecessor's inscriptions and face etched out of monuments/walls and replaced with theirs. In a snap they are forgotten. Erased from history.

A lot of my actions are derived from that yearning for a sense of purpose in life. I want to have an impact. I want to be remembered. I sometimes imagine myself as an old man, very late in life, and I'm looking back at everything I've done in life. Will I smile at what I've accomplished? Will I regret things? Will I be forgotten? Will these questions even matter by that point in time or will my views change about what's important in life? Part of me believes that at this younger age, ambition, goals and big dreams matter more. However, with time, when you have a spouse, kids, and other things to take care of, that will be your focus and your life. Perhaps then, your kids become your accomplishment, and as you watch them grow and model after you, it is then that perhaps part of you lives on.