Word of the Day
August 10, 2021
Legacy
Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor; a gift by will, especially of property; the enduring impact of one’s actions and principles passed to future generations.
From Medieval Latin 'legatia' (office of a legate), derived from Latin 'legare' (to bequeath, appoint by will), related to 'lex' (law). Originally referred to a diplomatic mission, then to property bequeathed, and eventually to any enduring gift or contribution.
Usage Examples
- The founders left a legacy of liberty by organizing principled government from the Declaration's self-evident truths.
- Building a personal legacy requires starting with clear principles and consistently applying them throughout life.
- The Legacy Project teaches participants that America's governmental and economic systems are the organized legacy of founding principles.
From the Show
The concept of legacy formed the centerpiece of Stan Everitt’s segment about The Legacy Project, which has guided over 1,000 people through a process of examining founding documents to build their own personal legacies. Everitt explained that the founders organized their principles into governmental and economic systems designed to endure across generations. Explore this discussion in Standing Up for Aurora and the American Legacy.