Beyond the Rhetoric

“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.”

There are only two things that are certain in life: death and taxes. As such, we should all make the effort to make the most of the time that we have on this planet. What are you going to do to make your mark and to leave your legacy for future generations?

That’s the notion put forth by American actor and comedian Danny Kaye. He is perhaps best known for the movie roles he had in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, starring alongside the likes of everyone from Dinah Shore and Doris Day to Bing Crosby and Katharine Hepburn.

One way that I am approaching this major life conundrum is through my career choice. Some people instill wisdom in youth through careers in teaching and training. For me, I chose to write, leaving what I hope to be an indelible mark on life’s fabric… or the “great big canvas,” as Danny Kaye put it.

Yes, it’s easy to get caught up in minor daily quibbles, but it is also important to consider the longer term ramifications of your actions. How will you feel about your accomplishments and impact in your retired years or, perhaps even more profoundly, on your deathbed. How much paint did you throw on the canvas?

Tags: legacy, meaning of life, memorable quotes

Filed under Personal Development.