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How do you think you’d feel if you could read your own obituary? Would it say what you want it to say? Would it reflect how you want to be remembered?

Sorry if these hypothetical questions appear to be a little gloomy. But I recently opened the obituary page – a place I seldom visit – to see what was said about a special lady and the mother of a close friend of mine, and was reminded of the story of Alfred Nobel’s first obituary.

Alfred Nobel died at the end of the 19th century after a long and illustrious life and career. Not only did he invent dynamite and a slew of subsequent improvements to it, but he also held over 350 patents on other inventions. He was devoted to the arts, writing numerous dramas and poetry, and at one time even considered devoting his life to letters. Today, he is most famous for the coveted awards that are given in his name each year – which he himself established – in the fields of peace, physics, chemistry, mathematics, literature, and economics.

As the legend goes, Alfred was afforded an unusual revelation shortly after his brother died. The newspaper, being fully aware of the prominence of the Nobel name, ran a long, flowing obituary. But they ran the obituary of Alfred by mistake! So he had the rare opportunity to read what the world really thought of him while he was still alive and kicking.

Unfortunately, he was horrified at what he read.

The newspaper described Alfred mostly as the inventor of dynamite. It stated that here was a man who made it possible for more people to be killed, more quickly, than anyone else who had ever lived.

He realized that the accumulation of all of his fame and fortune through the manufacture of explosives was not the only thing he wanted to be remembered for. So, shortly after his experience with the premature obituary, Alfred Nobel used his vast wealth to establish the awards that we know today as the Nobel Prizes.

Ask anyone if they have heard of the Nobel Prize (probably so). Then ask if they can name the inventor of dynamite (probably not).

It’s not often that someone gets the chance to rewrite their legacy once it has been set. But we all have the opportunity to establish it in the first place. Whether it is on the newspaper obituary page or in the hearts and minds of your community, consider how you would be remembered if you left the world today – based on the facts of your life. Then consider how would you want to be remembered – and feel free to use your imagination.

Even if there is a glaring difference between these two viewpoints, you’re in luck. Because, like Alfred Nobel, you have time to make the changes that will not only secure your legacy in the future, but make your present life that much better.

Just remember that you never know when the opportunity to read tomorrow’s newspaper will expire. -- PC