Resume virtues vs. eulogy virtues
How you will be remembered.
I’ve written in the past about the importance of always analysing the deeper intentions of your actions.
What am I actually doing this for, and is it for a reason that I’m proud of?
Our own self-importance often stands in the way of rational, value driven decision-making. We need to be more honest with ourselves. Looking inwards and reflecting on our actions is the best way to get to the truth of our intentions. Something I’ve been analysing in my own life is based around this basic concept: resume virtues vs. eulogy virtues.
Resume virtues are all based around achievements. It represents our external, ambitious and competitive nature, and often revolve around what’s called the status game. Getting a degree is valued in society as an excellent achievement. This is reflected in the university system, which is as much about the things you learn as it is about being able to put it on your resume. Excellent. Step one of career achievements is complete. The next step is obviously to get a job, to justify the debt you have put yourself in. A finance and economics graduate should have a finance and economics job. Having joined the finance and economics team at PwC, I did it. I was in the club. Step two was complete.
The more and more I spent in this world, the more I realised that the career game, is actually just another form of the status game. When you get so caught up in it, we start to feel that it’s the most important game to play. We reorient our priorities to doing more, achieving more, and earning more. But most importantly, we prioritise being seen doing these things. This is the entire premise of Linkedin.
Our eulogy virtues are based around our internal nature. It represents the inherent qualities and values we live by, and will be reflected in our eulogy when we eventually pass.
if I was to ask you, what was more important: resume virtues or eulogy virtues? I think most people would say eulogy virtues right? How we want to be remembered is clearly important. Coming back to the idea of being honest with yourself, which one would you say you think about more, and have been prioritising more?
I know which one I have.
Society has placed far more value on resume virtues over eulogy virtues, leading us to lose sight of what I believe really matters. Being good and doing good things. The number of deals you made, the companies you worked for and the money you earned are not what people will remember you for. Your career and your lifestyle represent the different ways we connect with the world. But they serve as a vehicle for demonstrating who you are as a person. It is your responsibility to ensure that that person is honest and good. Don’t lose sight of this.
Because when it is all said and done, that is what you will be remembered for.
Just Something To Consider.
I hope you had a refreshing Easter / ANZAC break. After a busy time with friends and family, I look forward to posting more.
May the 4th be with you.
Auf Wiedersehen!