Introduction:

This week, we will explore a well-known saying:

"If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing."

The quote challenges us to think about what we leave behind—whether through our words or our actions. It suggests that to be remembered, we must create something meaningful: ideas that endure in writing, or deeds worth recording.

This raises personal reflections: What do we consider “worth” reading or writing about? Does being remembered matter to everyone? And how does this idea align with our own values and lives? We’ll share our thoughts on whether we agree with this perspective or see it differently.

Subquestions

A. Personal Values and Legacy

1. How important is it to you personally to be remembered after you die? Why or why not?

2. In your own life, do you feel more driven to "write things worth reading" (share ideas) or "do things worth writing" (perform actions)? What shapes this inclination?

3. What does "worth" mean in this context? Who or what defines whether something is "worth reading" or "worth writing" about?

B. Societal and Cultural Perspectives

1. How do societal values and culture influence what is considered a legacy worth remembering? Can you give an example?

2. Does this quote overlook quiet, ordinary, or private contributions that are meaningful but not widely recorded? Should they be valued equally?

3. Who historically gets to be remembered—is it fair? What factors (like power, privilege, or luck) play a role in who is written about?

C. Relevance in the Modern World

1. In the age of social media and digital footprints, has the meaning of "being remembered" changed? How?

2. Does this quote create pressure to achieve grand things, or is it a useful motivator? What might be a healthier way to view it?

3. Can you think of someone who is remembered primarily for their writings, and someone for their deeds? Which form of legacy do you find more compelling, and why?

Vocabulary List: https://zh.purasbar.com/post.php?t=34583

Oh, I think it is a very good question, but I think I don't want to be always remembered at all

How important is it to you personally to be remembered after you die? Why or why not?

It's not important for me, or better to say, I don't want to be remembered after die at all, but I also cannot explain why I have this feeling

In your own life, do you feel more driven to "write things worth reading" (share ideas) or "do things worth writing" (perform actions)? What shapes this inclination?

Yeah, in my own life, I always write things worth reading and do things worth writing, but the goal is not to be remembered, I only want others can benefit from my ideas and actions

Does this quote overlook quiet, ordinary, or private contributions that are meaningful but not widely recorded? Should they be valued equally?

That's true that some quiet, ordinary, or private contributions cannot be remembered. Of course it is unfair, but so is the life. And if we want them to be remembered, we can use our own methods to help them to be noticed

In the age of social media and digital footprints, has the meaning of "being remembered" changed? How?

In the age of social media, some people can be remembered only because of their high ability of hyping, like Donald Trump

I will try my best to influence other, but "being remembered" is not my goal, I only want to do things I think it's right

I want,  and tend to do something making me being remembered like doing good and creating a video or post attracting lots of views(actually I've never made it yet...). However,  I believe it's more like out of my consideration about the present--like proving my uniqueness or helping others--not for something subsequent to my death.  In my daily life,  besides,  the pursuit of being remembered sometimes pushes me to a wrong direction,  reducing me to emotional overload and ignorance of other important but ordinary events in my life.  So the wisest way,  I think,  is setting the desire to be great aside,  and living my own life. 

It occurs to me that being remembered isn't totally equal to being great as a small act of kindness can leave a lasting impression and remembrance on others... Maybe I misunderstanded before. 

3. Can you think of someone who is remembered primarily for their writings, and someone for their deeds? Which form of legacy do you find more compelling, and why?

I prefer the latter because actions speak louder than words. But it's the writers,  namely the former one in the question,  who makes them remembered...