One day, I was talking with my older brother about the fears we experience as humans, fear of losing social status, fear of the unknown, and more. He then recalled a story from his university days. A sociology professor had given each student a blank sheet of paper and asked them to write down one fear that often came to mind, without writing their names. The students complied, and the professor read their responses aloud. Many fears were common: fear of losing loved ones, fear of the future, fear of war, and fear of failing to achieve dreams. But one response stood out — the fear of being forgotten. This fear is particularly prevalent in some Western societies, where relationships with the elderly or those suffering from memory loss, such as Alzheimer's patients, can be weak. Many end up in care homes, seemingly forgotten by their families. Similarly, prisoners may feel abandoned, as society often chooses to distance itself from them. There is even a specific phobia for this fear, called athazagoraphobia—the fear of being forgotten or of having one's existence go unnoticed, as if one's life left no impact, like a passing cloud that brings neither shade nor rain. These feelings often drive people to seek ways to leave a lasting mark. Wealthy individuals name schools and buildings after themselves, scientists strive to advance knowledge, leaders seek to make history, and writers create books and plays in the hope of being remembered. Even in religious texts, we find this concept. The Quran tells us that Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, asked God to make his name remembered among future generations. His prayer was answered—Muslims mention him in every prayer, and he is honored in Jewish and Christian traditions as well. If leaving an impact is the antidote to being forgotten, then I was struck by a quote from writer Amal Al-Zahrani, who said: "I believe great people in history became great not because they wanted to leave a mark, but because they were deeply focused on solving a problem. They did not aim to be remembered; they aimed to fix something they cared about. As a result, they left an impact. So instead of asking, 'How can I leave a legacy?' maybe we should ask, 'What problem do I truly want to help solve?'" In his book Give and Take, organizational psychologist Adam Grant offers a different perspective. He explains that those who leave the greatest impact are not necessarily those who chase success for themselves, but those who dedicate themselves to helping others. He writes: "The most meaningful way to succeed is to help others succeed." This highlights an important truth—true impact is not about personal recognition but about making a tangible difference in people's lives. Instead of worrying about how we will be remembered, we should focus on creating real value in the present. Whether through mentoring, teaching, or acts of kindness, the most meaningful legacy comes from lifting others up. While being remembered can bring a sense of pride and joy, I believe the best thing we can do is to live fully in the present. We can create meaningful moments by sharing a cup of coffee with loved ones on a chilly night, helping someone in need, planting a tree for future generations, or imparting knowledge that benefits others. These small yet profound actions can leave a lasting impact, not only on individuals but on society and the world at large. As poet Emily Dickinson beautifully wrote: If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again,
