Ladies and Gentlemen,
At one point or another, man contemplates his own mortality. The first time it happens is generally around 12-13 years of age, when the brain becomes fully aware of Death and that feeling of immortality and careless of our youth is somewhat curbed. Occasionally we are reminded of how fragile people are; major tragedies, accidents, etc. and it gives that bittersweet chill of yes we are alive, but how quickly we can diminish into nothingness is astounding to say the least.
With that being said, people find solace in striving for immortality, or a legacy of sorts. Some find it vicariously through their children. Others are talked about today as if they were still alive (just this morning I read a retrospective on Ben Franklin... The author wrote in present tense as if to suggest Ben was still roaming the earth). The worst fate a man can endure is to disappear, it's as if he or she had never existed, that is to truly die. Even if one is remembered poorly, that person still lives on in some way.
Now on to the fun stuff, after years of education, working in a field that all of America hates (finance... I know, I know control yourself), traveling (living in Europe/China/Japan for periods of longer than 6 months), meeting people (almost getting married... dodged a bullet on that one), I find myself wanted to work towards my own immortality. For a while, I concentrated on myself, and I thought this was the best means to meet my end. That narcissism, however, is incorrect. A man is truly great, if he makes others feel that they too can become great. So in time perhaps I can become immortal through those I influence... So how do we do that?
And so begins an open discussion on the components of power, influence, true wealth (happiness, success, and meaning), and last--but certainly not least--how to not die.