Leaving a Legacy for your descendants

[Koga No Goshi]

In old feudal societies, the leaders of clans/houses/royal families often penned house rules, or family guides, or legacies to pass on to heirs and grandchildren with their insights, philosophies and outlook on the world, people, governing, values, religion, etc.

They were often practical documents. "Don't let the family form factions." "Do not name an illegitimate child heir if you have legitimate children." "When forced to choose, anger the church before you anger the people." "Do not issue a special tax during a famine." That sort of business. They're interesting to read because they give you insight into how the educated ruler class felt about issues of the day-- it's interesting to read one of these from 500 years ago and realize, for instance, that some of them really didn't believe in religion, and just saw it as a political tool. I know that when I was younger I just had the impression that people in the past were all religious and all believed it, just as an example.

None of us are world leaders or ruling monarchs, obviously, but limiting it to bits of wisdom you live by, good pieces of advice you give, your worldview, your values, what would be your legacy to those who come after you?

I don't want to set a lot of conditions on it... but let me just make one, because most of the legacies I read were in this style. Try to keep each point/thought to a single sentence. Succinct and to the point. ;)

Example: "Never kiss and tell."

I may do mine in video/youtube format and link it. But would be very interested in seeing all of yours.

[Banquo's Ghost]

Well, aside from a family motto, I think the most useful piece of advice handed down by my ancestors has been:

Never upset a French peasant in possession of an ideology and a big razor.

Interestingly, this is advice embedded in my wife's family too, with a small variation:

Never upset a Russian peasant in possession of an ideology and a machine gun.

Of course, the corollary to the Peasant Doctrine is:

Upset English peasants all one likes, for they don't have ideologies or guns.

[Rhyfelwyr]

It's better to be feared than loved. Don't hire mercenaries. And if you conquer a town, you should demolish it or be ruined yourself.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Here are two numbered letters.....open the first when things are looking really bad.

[Sasaki Kojiro]

I'm going to leave my ancestors a complicated treasure map with confusing clues that eventually leads to a giant chest filled with twinkies and maple syrup.

[Strike For The South]

1. Dont Die
2. No fat chicks.

[naut]

All through painful experience:

• Don't do it if you can't handle the morning after.
• Think words through before speaking them.
• A grudge can always be overcome.
• Laugh as much as possible.
• Weed before beer you're in the clear, beer before grass you're on your ass.

[KarlXII]

Finland is Sweden's red headed step child.

[Husar]

Be well. Do good. Keep in touch.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Yes, I blatantly copied that from Kukri's signature, because it's so nice.

[Kagemusha]

"Its never too late."

[ICantSpellDawg]

It is always interesting. Doubting Thomasism has been a constant thing since people had the ability to doubt. Most people recognize that religion is a man-made concept to help people join with their community and tradition in order to make a special commitment to God - but like all man-made tools it can get in the way at times. This doesn't mean throw it away or make a new one, but recognize when it is time to walk outside of the line for a bit - you don't need to re-draw the lines.

[seireikhaan]

Always love. Always hope. Never, ever give up.

[King Henry V]

I've I had all the money I spent on drink; I'd spend it on drink.

[TinCow]

Have fun and don't hurt anyone.

[yesdachi]

I’m not sure if it is the advice I would pass on but when I told my pappy that I was moving to the big city he told me “Watch out for the blacks”.

I think it is neat to see, over time, how a culture has changed. What was acceptable/appropriate 500 or just 20 years ago is laughable now.

[Caius]

Life meaning are dreams. Those dreams will keep you going all your life. Never let them die.

[LittleGrizzly]

Enjoy every second

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Friendly fire isn't.

There are no dangerous weapons, only dangerous people.