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'There's been a lot of talk about 'How can we fill Harry's shoes?' The answer to that is that the challenge of Harry's life was NOT one of 'following in his footsteps' or 'filling his shoes.' The challenge is in filling our OWN shoes: We carry on Harry's work not just because we loved and admired him. We do so because it is the proper work of us all.' ~ James Chapin

Harry Chapin#94

LifeWorkPurposeLegacyHonor

About this quote

What does it mean?
Legacy is not about copying a hero but continuing their work through your own efforts.
In plain terms
Don't just copy Harry, do your own important work.
What can you take from it?
True honor is doing your own work well.

Where it applies

  • honoring a mentor
  • organizational culture
  • personal mission

Putting it to work

  • mentoring
  • community service
  • leadership

Questions to consider

  • How will you continue someone's work?
  • What is your work?

Another view

It might undervalue learning from predecessors.

More from Harry Chapin

  1. 'I believe that my brother was a great man. But, unlike most other great men, his greatness did not come from diminishing those around him. He made himself gre…

    Permalink to quote #93
  2. 'Harry, it sucks.' ~ Steve Chapin on hearing Harry's alternate ending to 30,000 Pounds of Bananas.

    Permalink to quote #92
  3. There's something burning somewhere. Does anybody care? Is anybody there?

    Permalink to quote #91

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