The Well-Lived Life: Live with Purpose and Be Remembered

by Lyndsay Green

Legacy is about who we are and how we will be remembered. In this thought-provoking book, bestselling author Lyndsay Green compels us to think about our legacy and consider how we would feel if we knew our life would soon be over. We assume that we’ll have time to think about our legacy; time to compose meaning for our lives; time to figure out our life’s purpose; time to make amends; time to clean up our messy lives. But what if we don’t? Would our time on Earth have made a difference to anyone or anything? What would we be leaving behind for those we love? What responsibilities would be left dangling? Green’s premise is that living with an eye to a future without us both enhances our present and shapes our legacy. With this awareness, we can lead inspired and fulfilled lives. Green examines the multiple facets that form a legacy, both material and non-material—from living a conscious life that makes a contribution, to writing our wills and recording our lives. She intersperses stories about struggles to align lives with values and efforts to write equitable wills, with eclectic tales about bequeathing tattoos and legacy bots using artificial intelligence so our digital selves can live forever. She wrote this book for people of all ages because our one precious life could end any day, and she offers insights for everyone regardless of assets. Her findings emphasize that since we’ll be leaving a legacy—like it or not—we’d be wise to pay attention to what it will be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 15, 2019

About the author

Lyndsay Green, author of the bestselling "You Could Live a Long Time: Are you Ready?," is a sociologist who has spent her career helping people use communications technologies for learning, working with groups as diverse as the World Bank, the National Film Board, and the Inuit of Canada. Lyndsay is known for her thorough research, practical advice, and uncanny and timely ability to tap into current social concerns. She is Chair of the Board of Arts for Children and Youth, and Chair of the Advisory Board of the University of Toronto
Art Centre.

Reviews

[S.M.]

A thought provoking and important book for anyone planning to write or revise their will. Reference hints for Canadians.

[Debbie Okrainetz]

This book had some excellent parts which encouraged people to think about writing a will and leaving a legacy--some great ideas of how to pass on not only material things but memories as well. Parts of it--some of the stories about people leaving their legacy--were not that pertinent and quite uninteresting. But the personal ones were very good.

[Debbie Villeneuve]

This book was very thought provoking and really made me think about how I would like to be remembered. So many subjects were covered that I certainly had never thought about. This book has also caused me to initiate some difficult conversations. A great book for Canadians who would like to ensure their legacy.

[Lhultstrom]

One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I must read.