If we would apply these icons life lessons to ourselves, the title of timeless legend could be ours as well. InstaFamous or immortalized which would we rather obtain?
1. Leaving a Legacy Through Humility – Genghis Khan
This icon took a people scattered by tribunal war and united the Mongolian people. Genghis Khan, considered by many to be the greatest conqueror of all time, at one point controlled more of the world than any other person in history has before or after him. Known for drinking from wooden goblets instead of jewel in-crested grails, Khan never took the majority of his raid’s spoils but instead humbly and wisely let his warriors dive up the income. Through humility, he decided against taking on a Roman Empire which many thought Khan could have easily taken. Humility made this poor Mongolian into the greatest conqueror mankind has ever seen.
2. Leaving a Legacy Through Vision – Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK through 4 words galvanized an American Civil Revolution. Before King Jr. could give his renowned “ I had a Dream” speech he first had to have that dream. Martin Luther King Jr. took this teaching of Solomon to heart. “Where there is no vision the people perish..” A dream of a better day manifested by action was the vision he would give to his followers. While many argue that MLK’s dream has not been fully evident in America yet, this much is true – without that dream, we would not see the differences that we see in our society today.
3. Leaving a Legacy Through Hope – Jesus Christ
How did this, the largest icon on the list, amass such a lasting and large following? By giving them hope. Hope is the end all answer. If anyone rich or poor, woman or child taps into this powerful idea and causes those who hear them, to find hope in something better, their legacy will endure.
4. Leaving a Legacy Through Dedication – Michael Jordan
In order for Michael Jordan to be iconic, he had to be dedicated. MJ’s dedication was challenged one night when his father was murdered by two men. Michael Jordan found within himself the dedication to not only return to the NBA but to become the NBA Champion as well. Dedication is part of what makes him a legend. Michael Jordan found within himself the dedication to not only return to the NBA but to become the NBA Champion as well. Dedication is part of what makes him a legend.
5. Leaving a Legacy Through Transformation- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart was one of the most prolific child prodigies to ever touch the piano. That wasn’t enough for Mozart. Against his father’s wishes, he went from being a traveling pianist to become the greatest opera composer of all time. Though Mozart failed to finish his Requiem, when you hear the rendition available today, it is steeped in a kind of transformation, that only true timeless icons can achieve.
6. Leaving a Legacy Through Being Unique – Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama brought a unique power to the White House. She brought herself. She dressed differently, she spoke as only she could, and she stood up for what she believed in. Her ability to be uniquely herself is just a portion of her timeless traits. The legacy the First Lady has left has been an empowering one not just for women of ethnic background but for women overall. Michelle Obama has shown that you can be classy and sexy all at the same time even in the highest office by simply being yourself. The legacy the First Lady has left has been an empowering one not just for women of ethnic background but for women overall. Michelle Obama has shown that you can be classy and sexy all at the same time even in the highest office, by simply being yourself.
7. Leaving a Legacy Through Value – Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was an amazing martial art master before he was in movies. What Bruce Lee did to become an icon of the sport and of the films was by bringing something different to the screen. His value became evident when so many Americans flocked not only to the movie theaters to see his performances but also to the gym to learn his trademark art. Without the His value became evident when so many Americans flocked not only to the movie theaters to see his performances but also to the gym to learn his trademark art. Without the value, Bruce Lee brought, martial art films would have never spawned into the many markets they occupy today.
8. Leaving a Legacy Through Adaptation – Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin consistently met adversity but he wasn’t destined to fail. Adversity or not he is a recognized forefather of The United States because he could adapt to circumstances. Adversity showed its face consistently and yet Benjamin through the use of pseudonyms, alternate lifestyles, and a mind built to always prevail cemented a legacy few have attained and he did it by adapting. Adversity showed its face consistently and yet Benjamin through the use of pseudonyms, alternate lifestyles, and a mind built to always prevail, cemented a legacy few have attained and he did it by adapting.
9. Leaving a Legacy Through Reformation – Susan B. Anthony
In order to leave a legacy sometimes, you have to make a place for yourself. Susan B. Anthony the champion of the Women Rights Reformation did just that. She did not sit idle while her country forgot her and fellow women alike. She did not sit idle while her country forgot her and fellow women alike. No, she faced the Federal Government formidably and overcame a history of oppression. She championed women’s suffrage and carved a legacy worthy of timeless recognition through reformation.
10. Leaving a Legacy Through Being Relentless – Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon is one of the most misunderstood of all conquerors but that’s not what makes him an icon. Napoleon was relentless. He, after defeat, was banished to a lonely island. After being exiled to this solitary confinement of sorts, Napoleon saw an opportunity. English ships passing his island became victim to the relentless power of Napoleon Bonaparte. With theses pirated ships, Napoleon once again became Emperor of Europe through relentless dedicated action. Even if he only held the office for a very short time, he showed how icons become timeless by never giving up. Carving out a legacy and becoming popular on social media are two very different feats. In order to have lasting memories made, you must become iconic. Take these icon’s tangible traits and make them your own, if you want to be timeless. Leaving a legacy is greater than leaving a tweet.
