Regarding historical perspectives and enduring legacies, it can be observed that people of lasting consequence (in as much as the accolades of history care to recall) fall into one of two categories: either they are notable men of impeccable moral character whose judgements and decisions are above reproach, or notorious men whose infamous acts leave an indelible stain in the fabric of a given social order. From a Biblical foundation the tree is known by its fruit. However, it ought to be taken into consideration that within a highly subjective and relativistic society, it is quite unlikely that one could make a distinction, with any certainty, between the man of turpitude and the one of righteousness.
Furthermore, with regard to ones progeny, it may be asserted that the descendants of a good man are just as easily turned toward indolent proclivities as those of an evil man are turned to pursue sainthood. Since both are subject to the same incentives and temptations, it is reasonable to conclude that the pendulum may swing either way in spite of attempts to direct it in a particular direction. That having been said, often such efforts are merely subterfuge, masking a hidden agenda to establish ones own credibility.
Therefore, since external entities are only prone to influence but never mastery, the aim of paramount importance ought to be the improvement of ones direct faculties, that is, the mind, body and spirit, of which one can accurately exercise complete control.
