When you die, would you want people to remember you for who you were, or for what you did?

Question

That says a lot, doesn't it? Think about it. Depending on your answer, it shows to us how respectful you have been in your life, whether or not you are in denial, how many people's lives you have or tried to make better, and/or your own accomplishments.

Please restrain from saying "both." That is an easy not thought out answer.

I would rather people remember me for what i did rather than who i am. My reason? I am an artist. I have done portraits for people and hope to one day have a career in the field (check out my myspace on Q and A), and when i am gone i hope to have somewhat of a legacy passed down with my pictures i have done. Thanks for your time answering this.

Aaron

Answer 1

Well Aaron, the type of person you are does determine if you are one who will extend yourself and do postive things in this life. If you're an a**, spreading positivity, even in the slightest, will not be on your mind. You say you're an artist. (I used to paint too!). Now I'm sure you put a lot of work into your portraits. The people who recieve your work will have your work to admire and show to others for years to come. The fact that you care about how your work will effect others and the ripple effect that your work will have in the future, shows what type of person you are. Some paint just to paint. To get it out of their system. They don't care about what effect their work may have on others. They may want an opinion on their work, but that's it. I work with the elderly, and I've learned that those who have done good in their lives, reap the seeds of that later on life. Family and friends come to see them and even in their darkest hours, you can see the glow they radiate from being the wonderful people they were. It's that glow from within that made them extend themselves and spread goodness to others when they could. So you see, the answer is sort of a blend of the the two. I would like to be remembered for the good I've done. But it's the person that I was that will have started the process. My good deeds will be a "legacy" of who I was. But those who knew me, will be tatooed with the feeling of love that I gave them and that's important too.Some may even forgot some of what I've done (I hope not! lol!) but goodness and love linger much longer. Keep up the good work and stay good.

Answer 2

I beg to differ. "Both" is a perfectly acceptable answer, especially if you can give a good reason why "both".

So, both. Why?

I would like to think that what I do is a reflection of who I am. For instance, if I were a medical researcher and I discovered the cure for cancer, I'd like to know that people will not just remember that "someone discovered the cure for cancer". I'd like to think that my name would be attached to it in some way. If I were an artist and I created a piece that was celebrated throughout the world, I'd want my name attached to the artwork, much like Michaelangelo & the Sistine Chapel or Da Vinci & the Mona Lisa.

If you are only remember for what you did, then your name gets lost and it really ends up not mattering that it was YOU that did it. You just become "someone" who "did that one thing that one time". Name recognition really is the ultimate respect, but you don't get it without doing something to begin with.

So, they go hand in hand for real, true, full, long-term respect.

Answer 3

I hope people will remember me for what I've done. I've written poetry and sang songs, I've helped anyone that came across my path that needed help. I want everyone at my funeral to remember the little things I did to make them smile or feel better or just because it's the kind of person I am. When your accomplishments have left their mark on other people's lives, no matter how small, I think that's the greatest legacy to leave behind.

Answer 4

the only people that matter to me are my children and family. I would want them to remember me for who I am, the kind of person I am. It doesn't really matter what you've done, if you, as a person are a failure. I mean you can donate money, be a famous actor, a president, a music star, and so on, but if you were an awful human being, THAT is what people are going to remember about you. There have been many famous people that are solely remembered by their actions. Joan Crawford was an actress and a pretty good one, but she is mostly remembered for the awful way she treated her children (Mommy Dearest) and how self centered she was. So regardless of what you accomplish in life, the greatest accomplishment to be remembered for, is the person you are and the lives you've touched !!

Answer 5

When I die,I'd prefer that the people would remember me for what I did. There's no need for people to remember whom u r because some simple people can do a lot of good things even more than other people who r in a higher degree than them.Moreover by knowing what a person does helps us to know who this person is.

Answer 6

Actually I think that what you did in life is a reflection of who you were. I agree with you in a sense that I want people to remember what I did. I pour concrete for residents and I think it is great knowing that my work will last a long time and people can be reminded of me by seeing my work. Our work and actions shape the way we are viewed in other peoples eyes. I know you said not to answer both, but when I think about it they go hand-in-hand to a pretty large degree.

Answer 7

I want people to remember me for who I am. I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a lover, a companion, a server, a maid, a chauffeur, a seamstress, a chef, I am almost anything I choose to be for the moment that I am in and for that reason, I have touched many lives. I have no fear of being forgotten when I am gone, for in my children's eyes, I will always be remembered.

Answer 8

That's beautiful, Aaron. . .and you're blessed with a talent that affects others.
And. . .good question.
For people to remember me for who I am. . .simply because I know how others have affected me thoughout my life just by being who they are. . .they have contributed to who I am as a person and enriched my life tremendously. . .and I can only hope that I am doing the same in some way.

Answer 9

For what i did. I am in the health care field and i know how much i have done for others and what a great feeling it gives me to help others and when i pass on, i want them to remember me for how i touched their lives and helped them with their pains and discomfort.
Good luck with your career.
Happy new year ♥♥♥

Answer 10

I think who you are IS what you do. I am a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a loan officer, a Medical Terminology Instructor. You will be remembered for how well you DO what you ARE, rather you are good at it or you suck at it. Eventually, unless you do something extremely grandiose, you are going to be forgotten anyway.