Life’s Striving: Legacy vs. Happiness
Have you ever stopped to consider how much of your life’s striving will be lost to history? It may surprise you to know that 99.9% of people will be forgotten forever, with no one knowing they ever existed. In the grand scheme of things, what we do with our lives may not matter much.
Recently, someone asked me if I was interested in helping to save Nigeria. My response was indifference, as I pondered how much impact any one person could really have. It’s a well-known fact that most of those who helped turn the fortunes of countries like Singapore and South Korea into economic powerhouses are not even known by their own people. Even in Nigeria, how many people know about Henry Rawlingson Carr, one of the most important personalities in the country’s history? It’s safe to say that 99% of Nigerians have never heard of him.
The truth is, it doesn’t really matter. Those who want to turn around the fortunes of their country should absolutely try to do so. They should just not expect posterity to be kind to their memories, or even preserve their names. This realization may sound like existential musing, but it’s an important one to keep in mind.
To the person who recently chatted with me seeking advice on leaving Nigeria with their family for Finland, I say go for it. It’s important to acknowledge that your love for Nigeria is valid, and that there are several things you can do to try to improve the situation, such as joining a political party, creating an NGO, or being a part of civil society. However, it’s important to remember that you should do it for yourself, and not because you expect those in the future to remember and praise you for your efforts. The odds of that happening are slim, and pursuing this path may not necessarily increase your happiness.
What has been shown to increase happiness is one’s commitment to family. Ensuring that they have a life that you can be proud of, where they are safe, secure, and have opportunities to utilize their talents and potential. When psychologists ask the elderly and those on their deathbed what they regret about life, none of them talk about doing more for their countries. Instead, they prioritize their families, loved ones, and not giving a damn about keeping up with the Joneses.
If you’re torn between Nigeria and Finland, consider which country has a greater chance of giving you this sense of fulfillment. As Stephen Covey wrote in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you must start with the end in mind. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which path to take.
Godspeed, my friend!
