Legacy: Another word for ego?

We engage in daily contests, using virtues to the best of our ability.

Before a boxing match last year, a child reporter interviewed legendary boxer Mike Tyson. She asked him, “After such a successful career, what type of legacy would you like to leave behind?”

Tyson answered, “I don't believe in the word legacy. I think that's another word for ego. It doesn’t mean [anything].  It's just another word everybody grabbed onto. It's used every 5 seconds. It means absolutely nothing to me. I'm just passing through and I’m going to die and it’s going to be over. Who cares about legacy after that? After I die I want people to think I'm this, or that, or great? No, we’re nothing. We’re just dead. We’re dust. We’re absolutely nothing.” 

The media and viewers online found the interview amusing as a renowned boxer delved into a philosophical discussion about ego and death with a child reporter. I couldn’t help but notice that Tyson’s remarks contained echoes of the wisdom one might find in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, where the emperor reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the insignificance of fame. 

People have coveted legacy, fame, and wealth for millennia, especially ancient rulers who built sculptures and monuments to memorialize themselves. Likely, if we asked these rulers what was the greatest good, they would say narcissistically, “to be remembered in lasting glory.”  

The highest good 

If we were to inquire about the highest good to a random person on the street, we would likely encounter a range of responses. These might include being a good spouse (or friend, relative, etc.), attaining wealth, or achieving a particular social status. However, these pursuits are beyond an individual’s control, no matter how hard they strive for them. As Stoics, we understand that placing importance on things we ultimately cannot control is a losing proposition to our well-being. 

What does “good” really mean?

Take, for example, the role of being a good husband. In my case, it depends on how my wife interprets and perceives my actions in that role. Although I may strive to be the best husband I can be, ultimately, it is her judgment that determines how well I fulfill that role. I can’t control her opinion. This scenario is likely how most people define what is considered good in their lives, which ultimately involves factors beyond their control. So then, what does “good” really mean? It means having the ability to keep our thoughts and emotions uncontaminated by external circumstances and applying virtues. 

No matter what anyone says or does, I must be good. It is as if gold or an emerald or purple dye were perpetually telling itself, “No matter what anyone may do or say, I must be an emerald and keep my colour. - Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 7.15

For me, the most important thing is to live my life in alignment with my own spiritual beliefs. Stoic philosophy doesn’t compete with my spirituality – it aligns.  Embracing virtuous living not only provides me with an ethical framework, but also serves as a compass for personal growth, highlighting the importance of moral excellence (aretḗ). It’s living life utilizing the Stoic cardinal virtues of justice, wisdom, temperance, and courage. We need to gently remind ourselves that we are unimpeded from employing these virtues daily. What is the goal of using the virtues? Epictetus stated that virtue achieves serenity. (Discourses, 1.4.6). And how much we all want serenity in our lives!  As George’s Dad, Mr. Constanza, said in the sitcom Seinfeld, “Serenity now!” 

Daily contests 

I wake up daily knowing I will face a contest between use of the virtues and potential negative emotions generated from external factors. It requires immense effort, and I often need to monitor my inner dialogue – how I perceive and judge the circumstances of life. There are countless situations where my Stoic abilities are put to the test. It feels like a competition within myself, with the outcome determining whether I can foster eudaimonia. 

For the contest that lies in front of us is not in wrestling or pankration (i.e., combat sport), in which, whether or not one meets with success, it is possible for one to be of the highest worth or of little, and by Zeus, to be most happy or most miserable; no, this is a contest for good fortune and happiness itself. - Epictetus, Discourses, 3.25.3 

What are your daily contests? It could be at work, at home with loved ones, or even in unpredicted moments, like someone hitting your car, and refusing to be accountable, as was the case with me last year. I had to rise above my anger and frustration, consciously applying virtues, as difficult as it was. 

This is like challenging Olympic training. But even if we fail to apply Stoic doctrine and associated virtues, there’s always another situation lurking for us to do so. We brush ourselves off and try again.  That’s what being a real Stoic is all about.

Glenn Citerony is an Executive Wellness Coach who employs Stoic concepts to help improve people’s lives. He is passionate about Stoicism and its relevance to addressing today’s challenges. Glenn can be reached at glennciterony.com.

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