The major categories. One that deals with
Theconcept of a lasting legacy is perhaps as old as civilization itself. Historyitself can be metaphorically defined as a summary of individual legacies leftby entities ranging from the common human being to entire civilizations. TheIndus Valley civilization, the Roman Empire, the Mughals, and world religionsthemselves are remembered today based on the impression, the impact, and thefootprints they left behind.
Keeping this somewhat poetic view in mind, it isno wonder why people often ponder what legacy they want to leave behind. Thisis perhaps the first major step towards the path of self-actualization. Asthe adage goes, we are more than the sum of our experiences. This byproduct ofthe synergies that result from our interaction with the material world and thespiritual “self” is what accounts for the difference. The greater the magnitudeof this difference, the better the chances of becoming someone worthremembering.
It is with the intent towards achieving this goal that I havedecided to shape the path I wish to pursue in life. This may be considered asuperficial approach towards living, but then again, which approach isn’t? Iwant my legacy to be comprised of two major categories. One that deals with themore professional, career oriented aspect, and the other that caters to thepersonal element. Professionally, it should be noted that I am extremelyambitious. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the corporate sector. Toa great extent this infatuation has been driven by third party influences;movies, books, and personal narratives that describe the particular ‘WallStreet’ type professional life. Men and women in crisp tailor made suits, thetall glass-and-steel structures, the massive global logos, the power, thecontrolled sense of calm determination, the measured self-worth, and theexclusivity; it made me hungry.
It ignited a fierce passion and desire deepinside me to become one of the highly influential people whose decisions shapethe destinies of entire regions. I am not talking about becoming someone likeObama or a Nobel Laureate. I am talking about people like Warren Buffet, LloydBlankfein, and Jamie Dimon. Theindividuals who make the rules of the game, who decide on which governmentscome to power, and whose combined net worth is greater than the GDPs of morethan half the countries on earth. I want to test the limits of ambition itself.
I want to be bigger and better as never seen before. I understand how none ofthis might never come to fruition, but at least I could be the guy who tried totake over the world! Let’s face it, being a 23 year old fresh graduate, I canafford to dream big. Thepersonal aspect deals with the sort of person I intend to be. Leadershipstyles, altruistic intentions, and the way I interact with people come underthis category. My philosophy regarding people is the same as the adage mentionedabove-that we are more than just the sum of our experiences. People areinherently complicated and fascinating creations that really deserve to beappreciated.
Therefore pure spite, animosity, and a distinct dislike for humaninteraction is not something I stand by. I want to be the sort of person who isopen, liberal, and accessible. Someone who anyone can talk to regardinganything. Someone people go to with their problems, their goals, theirambitions, their guilt, their secrets and even their deepest, darkest desires.Not just to seek advice and counsel, but to simply share personal thoughts andmoments without recourse. Having said that, I want to be something of a mentorto everyone I meet.
To have the ability of inspiring people, engendering creativity,and navigating people safely through troubled waters towards the fabled lightat the end of the tunnel. Thisis the snapshot of the various goals, both personal and professional, that Ihave outlined for myself. I shall continually endeavor to live by my philosophywith the same measured control and determination I talked about earlier. Iunderstand that many of the above mentioned points are incredibly optimistic,to the point of being foolishly idealistic. However, as the popularadvertisement by Apple Inc.
goes “here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. Therebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who seethings differently.
They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for thestatus quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazyones, we see geniuses. Because the people who are crazy enough to think theycan change the world, are the ones who do.
” So yes, I want to be the crazy one,the misfit, the rebel, and the troublemaker. I want to be different. Despitethe long route to eventually get there, if I can even think about doing it, Iam halfway there!
