I am 50 years old. I thought by becoming a research engineer I could improve the world like others before me who created things like radio, indoor plumbing, and textile factories. I published over a hundred research papers, but I learned that no one reads research papers anymore, and publication has become a complete waste of time. I learned that politics and money trump engineering considerations 100% of the time, and that the sole purpose of technology now seems to draw money from investors’ wallets. I wanted to be a great teacher, but engineers are not paid to do that because it doesn’t make money, so now I just make open source projects that I hope can be used to be examples to learn from. But I don’t think I’ll be remembered, as it seems technology nowadays is largely used as a means of swindling people out of their money so they can buy stuff they don’t need and makes them miserable.
Comment on I'm not bored or anything, it just feels like forever. 60 more years left of my shift on earth...
bluewing@lemm.ee 7 months agoAs someone my mid 60’s, you’ve been around enough to have learned some things. Start thinking about what you will leave behind on the day you die. What is it that you can do to leave a mark on this world? It doesn’t need to be large and grandiose. Even if you only affect one person for the better, it’s a win.
I went from being a farmer to a toolmaker to a ME. And like you, I discovered that while I was accomplished in those fields, it meant very little in the grand scheme. So I became a volunteer firefighter, which lead to me eventuality becoming medic. When I became too old for that, I looked around and found a need in my local school for me to teach. I discovered community service was what I could leave a legacy in.
And when I do finally pass beyond this vale of tears, I will leave behind a legacy that will live on through the people I comforted though the worst moments of their lives. And also the hopeful seeds I have tried to plant in the future generation. It was never meant to be great or fancy. Just a few simple efforts for me to be satisfied with.
What will you leave behind?
profdc9@lemmy.world 7 months ago
crazyCat@sh.itjust.works 7 months ago
That’s awesome and a great mentality and focus, bravo.
Krauerking@lemy.lol 7 months ago
Meh, I want to leave nothing behind. Live like I die, and no one is allowed in on it. A death just for me.
I want to leave no mark. May my flesh rot and become the earth, may my bones crumble to dust and become fertilizer, may my grave be unmarked and unknown except for the plants that feed upon me.
Legacy is for the ego and mine doesn’t exist. The world is a mess and it doesn’t need me tugging futilely on the wisps of strings I can barely reach, hoping to unravel a knot that others keep tying.
I’m glad you found joy, I am tired of people, and have nothing left to share.