We are not immortal- but our reputation is. The average human lifespan is estimated to be around 73.16 years as of 2023. Our reputation, or what we are remembered for, can be remembered for hundreds of years after the point of our death.

Just as we laud the thought of immortality, we also place a great value on our reputation. Battles have been fought for this cause, and many have been harmed for the sake of protecting it. Resorting to great lengths for our reputation is very normalized in our society today. For example, according to a new CDC report:”the majority of killings of women in the United States are related to intimate partner violence-and of these, 93 percent are by former romantic partners.” Killers in America are able to go from first degree murder to second degree manslaughter just by claiming they were provoked by their partner’s infidelity. The taking of a human life is suddenly for a just cause when the harming of our ‘immortal part’ is on the line. 

Even though our reputation may last longer than our lifespan, it has a huge impact on the quality of our existence. When we are not able to maintain a good reputation, we are at the mercy of society. If and when our reputation is damaged, we may be treated differently, and could lose friends. In extreme cases, some even lose their jobs and friends. This harsh reality is depicted in Shakespeare’s play, Othello. In Othello, Lieutenant Cassio is wrongfully set up for a crime. He has his title striped from him, and when he is in discussion with someone he considers to be his friend, he complains that he has “lost the immortal part of himself” and that “what remains is bestial.” He then goes on to act irrationally in an attempt to regain his position and influence throughout the rest of the play.

Reputation, as easy as it is to damage, can have a powerful impact on people. This impact can occur during and after your life. Reputation and influence is often more effective after death. In the case of the tragic death of Ahmaud Aubrey: “nationwide protests and indignation were prompted after a graphic video of his killing was released online.” Only after this uproar was justice brought for this innocent man. Aubrey was known for being a kind, friendly man, and has inspired thousands of people around the world to stand up for injustices against people of color.

Our reputations, being positive or negative, are one of the most impactful things we as humans possess. The lengths gone to in order to protect this, and the effect when it is damaged are huge. Lives are constantly being changed, and people are always being influenced due to this. No matter where you are currently, there can always be comfort found in the fact that there are things greater and longer lasting than our short lifespan.