When we think about legacy, our minds often jump to grand, sweeping ideas—empires built, fame achieved, or milestones reached. It’s mostly rubbish, like a Netflix promo for something that looks good and has leaks 45 minutes into the story.

There’s a quote from the ancient Roman poet Juvenal, written sometime around 100 AD, that offers a striking contrast to these lofty ambitions. He pointed out that while the world might not have been big enough for Alexander the Great’s boundless ambitions, in death, even a simple coffin was enough. This line, sharp in its simplicity, speaks to a truth that’s easy to overlook in the rush for success: life’s true measure isn’t about how much we conquer, but the character we live by and the impact we make on the people who matter most to us.

The world will keep turning, and for many, the sweep of history will blur over their existence. But the effect you have on your family, friends, and community is what lasts. Your legacy, in the end, isn’t about the empire you build or the fame that outlives you. It’s about the character you live by and how you treat others along the way.

This can sound simple, even quaint, in a time where the loudest voices seem to get the most attention. But simplicity holds wisdom. It’s easy to forget that our true influence isn’t built through fame or wealth. It’s built in the quiet moments, in how we show up for others, and in how we stick to our values when no one is watching.

We can aim high in our careers, be ambitious in our pursuits, and dream big about what we want to accomplish. But remember: legacy isn’t measured in the grandness of your ambition—it’s measured in how you live each day. Every moment of kindness, every decision made with integrity, every word spoken with care is part of what lives on. It’s not about the fame you achieve or the empire you build, but about the character you live by, and how you shape the lives of those you hold close.

In the end, as Juvenal reminds us, even a mighty figure like Alexander the Great couldn’t escape the limitations of his human existence. Yet, for those who choose to live with a heart of character, their influence endures far beyond their years.