8 Things That Etch Our Names Forever

At the end of one’s life, what is the proof that they lived? Are the footprints left behind worth walking in?

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” The words of the renowned poet, Maya Angelou answer these questions.

There are many people who have walked the surface of this earth, and many more are yet to come. But out of the billions of people, there are names that always stand out.

These names are considered, iconic, legendary, and esteemed and they inspire generations to walk in their footprints.

These people illuminated paths and excelled in chosen fields through creativity, determination, and perseverance and most of the time exhibited qualities that are admirable.

How can our names stand the test of time? Here, The Ghana Report examines some of the ways through which this can be achieved.

• Music Composition

There is a saying in the Akan language that literally translates as ‘The tongue does not rot’ which means a person’s words, particularly music lyrics do not die with them.

Many individuals have engraved their names on the minds of the world years after their departure from the earth due to their music compositions.

Music, especially good music is timeless and transcends generations. For instance, classical music composed by Beethoven is still played and enjoyed by music lovers although he died almost two centuries ago.

The Ghanaian composer, Philip Gbeho, is still remembered for his composition of the Ghana National Anthem.

• Book Authorship

Books document the memories of old and their authors employ made-up stories that entertain generations.

The authors through their written words leave lasting impressions long after they are no more.

The likes of William Shakespeare who died in the year 1616 has most of his books studied in schools and universities. Forever he is mentioned in the world of literature due to his contribution to the field.

Ghana’s Ama Ata Aidoo, Kofi Anyidoho, Efua Sutherland, and Kobina Sekyi just to name a few are important references when the nation’s literature comes up.

• Invention/Innovation

Although he died over 100 years ago, Charles Babbage has cemented his name in world history by inventing the first computer.

There are many like him who created some of the world’s most significant ideas, methods, and products.

• Having Offsprings

An American author, Kristine Carlson said “Your children are your legacy to the world. As you raise them with love, you contribute to making this world a better place”.

One way through which a person’s name lives on is through their children and grandchildren. Children perpetuate our names.

For instance, Abedi Pele’s legacy in Ghana football has been kept alive by his children who have also contributed to the game.

• Involvement in Landmark Events

In the quest to make their footprints visible on this earth, there are some individuals who take brave steps to break historical records.

Whether being the first to step on the moon, the first black man to become an American president, or the first woman to become a Chief Justice in Ghana, these people have permanently left their mark.

For instance, a group of Ghanaians recently successfully embarked on a journey by road to London in a first of its kind. These individuals have left a mark, and their names will be mentioned for years to come.

• Acting in Movies

While others went to the moon, others chose to bless the world with their exceptional acting skills.

By entertaining people, these people made names for themselves that would not be forgotten.

• Having a noble character or a good name

A popular Japanese proverb states that tigers die and leave their skins while people die and leave their names and as  Logan Pearsall Smith wrote, “Our names are labels, clearly printed on the bottled essence of our past behavior”.

One way a person can be remembered for a long time after their death is by living a good life and leaving behind a good name.

• Quotable Wise Sayings

A search on the internet for meaningful quotes on life will definitely bring up names like Aristotle, who existed three centuries before Christ. There are also Winston Churchill, Plato, Galilei Galileo, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Amilcar Cabral, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Sankara, and Bob Marley among others.

What the Frenchman Baron Montesquieu said is widely quoted in political circles and has become a bedrock of civilized governance. The spirit of separation of powers and checks and balances flowed from his thoughts. This shows the importance of our words and the lasting impressions they leave on life’s journey.

Whether speaking or writing, doing so with wisdom and consideration can determine how well you will be remembered after you bow out of life’s stage.