I’m writing this to you from New York City.
I’m here with my son, Hayden—he’s 17—and we’re scouting universities.
And as I sit in this country, watching him walk through these towering campuses, full of ambition and wonder, I find myself reflecting on two stories I heard recently. Both American. Both powerful. Both true.
And both soul-stirring.
One happened in the 1920s.
The other, in the 1940s.
Two different men.
Two violent deaths.
Two lives that, through tragedy, reshaped a nation.
And as I share these stories with you, I want you to notice what they awaken in your own heart.
Because these are stories about legacy.
Not the kind written in dollar signs…
But the kind etched in making the RIGHT decision when it really counts.
Story 1: Easy Eddie and the price of redemption
We begin in Chicago.
The year is 1920.
America is in the grip of Prohibition—and Chicago is a city run by the underworld.
At the center of it all: Al Capone.
The most feared man in the country.
Capone was untouchable. His enemies ended up in the river. His critics disappeared. There’s a story—true story—about how Capone once beat a man to death in the middle of a restaurant… with a baseball bat… because the man insulted him.
No one dared call the police.
No one dared stand up.
That’s how powerful he was.
But Capone’s true power didn’t come from his fists or his gun.
It came from one man:
Easy Eddie.
Easy Eddie was Capone’s personal lawyer.
And he wasn’t just good. He was genius.
No matter what charges the government brought—murder, bootlegging, racketeering—Eddie made them vanish.
He knew how to manipulate the system so well, no one could touch Capone.
And for his loyalty, he lived in unimaginable wealth.
Cars. Mansions. Clothes. Power.
But behind the tailored suits and million-dollar smile…
was a man who also happened to be a father.
Easy Eddie had a son.
A boy he loved more than anything else in the world.
And that son would ask him—
“Dad… what do you do?”
Eddie couldn’t give a straight answer.
As the boy got older, the questions sharpened:
“Where does all our money come from?”
Again… no answer.
Easy Eddie could buy him the best schools. The finest shoes. The softest sheets.
But he couldn’t give him the one thing that mattered:
A father worth admiring.
And that truth… began to gnaw at him.
He realized: I’ve given my son everything—except a good name.
And one day, he made the most courageous decision of his life.
He turned.
He flipped on Capone.
He went to the authorities.
He testified in court.
His actions helped put some of the most dangerous men in America behind bars.
And he knew…
he knew…
it would cost him everything.
One day, while driving through Chicago, another car pulled up beside him.
Gunfire erupted.
Bullets tore through the steel.
Easy Eddie’s car spun off the road.
His body was riddled with holes.
He died alone.
But in his pocket, the police found a folded piece of paper.
A poem—creased at the corners, worn from being read and reread.
“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in time…
For the clock may soon be still.”
That’s what he left behind.
A man who chose truth over comfort.
A clean name over a corrupt fortune.
A legacy worth dying for.
Story 2: The sky over the Pacific
Now, fast forward to the 1940s.
World War II.
A young fighter pilot launches from the USS Lexington—a massive aircraft carrier in the Pacific.
Mid-mission, he’s told to return. He’s low on fuel. But as he circles back, he spots something.
Nine Japanese bombers.
Headed straight for the Lexington.
Thousands of lives on board.
He’s alone.
No backup.
No bullets to spare.
But he doesn’t retreat.
He charges.
He fires everything he’s got.
Two enemy planes fall into the sea.
Then—he’s out of ammo.
But still, he doesn’t back down.
He begins ramming the bombers.
Flying dangerously close.
Clipping wings.
Disrupting their formation.
Throwing them into chaos.
His plane is being shot at from every direction, but he keeps going—relentless, fearless.
Eventually, the remaining bombers retreat.
The ship is saved.
This pilot becomes the first Navy aviator in World War II to earn the Medal of Honor.
His name?
Butch O’Hare.
You might know that name if you’ve flown into Chicago.
O’Hare International Airport is named after him.
O’Hare’s legacy helped inspired millions of Americans and allied troops to give their all to win the war against the Nazis and the Japanese empire.
But here’s the part I didn’t tell you.
Butch O’Hare…
was Easy Eddie’s son.
The man who once protected America’s most notorious gangster…
gave his life to give his son a clean name.
And that son went on to save thousands.
What will you leave behind?
Both men gave their lives for this country.
Both died in a violent sacrifice.
But one—gave his life to redeem himself.
The other—gave his life because of that redemption.
And maybe—just maybe—
it was Easy Eddie’s sacrifice that planted something in his son’s heart.
The courage.
The integrity.
The compass that said: This is what we stand for.
So now I want to ask you—
Not as a parent. Not as a professional. Not as a role. But as a soul:
What are you leaving behind?
Maybe your legacy isn’t your business.
Maybe it’s not your money, your house, or your donations to charity.
Maybe legacy is something quieter.
Something sacred.
Maybe legacy is…
The values and emotions you leave in the hearts of those who loved you most.
The truth you lived by when no one was clapping.
The moments your child reflects on—not what you built, but who you became.
Legacy isn’t a LinkedIn bio.
It’s what your child says about you when they bury you in the ground.
It’s the stories they tell.
The character you pass on.
We’ve been conditioned to believe that legacy is about what we acquire. Money, cars, stock portfolios.
But I believe… it’s really about what we stand for when no one’s watching.
And I believe that’s what echoes beyond the silence.
That’s legacy.
Not what you leave to your children and the people who loved you most.
But what you leave inside their hearts when they think about you.
If you enjoyed this story, leave a comment.
And for those of you who want to take this further, here are two reflective questions you can ask yourself.
Legacy reflection: 2 Questions to ask yourself today
- What would my children—or those who love me most—say about my character if I were gone tomorrow?
- Where in my life am I choosing comfort over courage… when my soul is asking me to stand for something greater?
PS – Want to be in a room where stories like this come to life?
These are the kinds of reflections we dive into at Mindvalley University—live this July in Amsterdam.
It’s not just about lectures. It’s about awakening your values.
Your voice.
Your vision.
If you’re feeling the call, this might be your place.
Learn more about MVU in Amsterdam
With love and in service,
— Vishen
121 Responses
My God, it gave me an emotional burst.
Thanks for sharing.
People spend all their life in ignorance but there is just one thing that changes everything for them which will build their legacy.
Very few people are able to identify it and execute it. And definitely these are the once who build a lasting legacy.
Thank you, Vishen. These two stories really make you think about what’s truly important in life. They show that the impact we leave on the world isn’t measured by how much money or power we have, but by the choices we make when it counts. Easy Eddie and Butch O’Hare’s stories teach us that being true to ourselves and doing what’s right, even when it’s hard, is what truly matters. It’s a reminder that we have the power to change our lives and the lives of those around us, and that our actions can have a lasting impact on future generations. The most important thing we can leave behind is not wealth or status, but the values and principles that guide us, and the love and memories we share with those closest to us.
Thank you for sharing this, Vishen.
As a woman, I find that other stories resonate with me more deeply, and I don’t always connect with stories of violence.
Yet I deeply understand what these stories reflect about legacy.
Legacy is not about grand gestures or heroic deaths alone.
It is about the quiet choices we make every day, the courage to live in alignment with our truth,
and the love we leave within the hearts of those we love.
Thank you for reminding us that our real legacy is not what we leave behind,
but what we leave within.
🕊️✨
Hi Vishen… Truly inspiring stories!! I am really moved by them and tears welled up in my eyes when I finished reading them. I had been to Chicago airport so I could connect with the story and appreciate the history behind its name. Keep sharing such wonderful stories and keep inspiring us! We love you soooo much 🙂
Cheers,
Manoj
A great story overall but personally knowing American history which as this story clearly demonstrates America is built on crime, corruption, greed and dishonesty / lies – all which is bad and clearly evident today – my point being WW!! was created by the people running America directly and indirectly- history does not lie regardless of peddled propaganda, so why does Butch and people like this risk their lives to save a very bad country? The poem is good and noteworthy but in today`s world we need real honest, pragmatic and people with merit in government and this is not the case regarding America from Hollywood to the White House to American corporations.
you spend much time trying to educate good people but these bad warmongers need to be addressed – we can all play Mr Nice Guy but today`s world needs to address and expose the antagonistic people, the aforementioned. we need to clean from the top down not bottom up- neverthelss Keep up the good work
Aaaaawwwwwww……… I agree, its better to leave a great legacy behind rather than the pain you caused the people around you. You cannot bring our money or any possessions when you die – Not even the control you have with these people…. Its good to die being loved as I know I have done something right, not just for my children but atleast on some people that I have touched their lives…. Unfortunately, not everyone understand this, hoping one day that everyone will finally understand…
A fantastic overview of life & legacy, definitely food for thought.
I’m 60 and still searching & chancing for a more comfortable life, not so much for me but to make my sons life more easier than I had it.
I simply loved these two stories. Truly phenomenal.
God, that’s beautiful. These are the stories that should be taught in history. I am leaving a legacy of love, spiritual empowerment, humor, and relentless optimism, not to mention several Etsy stores, books, online programs, over two decades of weekly newsletters (so far!) and all the rest I’ve done w/ more to come! I am leaving behind so many whose ownlegacy is learning to love themselves and see themselves through the eyes of heaven 🙂
Thank you Vishen for this, it made me cry but with tears of joy that they made such a difference in times of adversity. It is often hard to see the positive side of things with so much sh*t going on in the world but this helped me realise that the love and support I give to my beautiful son is all that matters. We’ve been through traumatic times and we’ve come through them stronger and happier and that will be my legacy – a kind, caring and non-judgmental son who positively impacts the lives of those around him ❤️
Thank you Vishen. You always keep inspiring with your stories, your truth, your love and light. Thank you for the legacy you leave behind for not only tour children but for all the beautiful souls in this lovely planet.
Lovely, truly lovely. Thank you, Vishen.
Tocou meu coração profundamente a história de Capone. Mas caí em prantos quando li a segunda. Obrigado por me tocar de forma tão profunda.
Hi vishen
I was truly moved by the stories you told I used to be a missionary to eastern Europe during the Communist years and gathered underground Christian leaders into secret meetings and brought them. Hope my health eventually failed but over the years I wrote pamphlets entitled surrender and it’s now in the process of being published And the folks who are publishing it tell me that it’s my legacy. I hope it touches many people as it has transformed my life. I found my purpose in life and I’m content and at peace.
Thank you for encouraging all of us about how we live our lives and to consider what legacy we will leave behind
Thank you for making the Mindvalley University available to those of us who cannot attend. I appreciate that very much thank you Edith.
WOW! Now that was a twist! Love this story, thank you Vishen! I do not have children of my own. I have thought of my legacy and have chosen to leave it by changing lives through a message that will spread worldwide in my soon to be published Children’s Book. My vision – To create a kinder more connected world. 🙌 🫶🙏🫶🙏🙌
I look forward to meeting you in Amsterdam. 🌟
Its a beautiful poem,
Very much aligned by my soul,
I crave to carve my path,
Unusual, distinct and aligned by my goal.
I will reach out
for sure, to triumph over the hurdles.
But for now, from a mom to a dad
who believes in the just the right kind legacies,
thank you but no thank you
-Sanyukta
Vishen,
As a dedicated Christian I questioned the Holy Spirit’s leading me to your site two weeks ago. I am looking for help to be a stronger, wiser, business person.
I was concerned about finding too many “worldly” ideas being mixed in, potentially disrupting what I consider to be my Worldview.
Your email put me to tears. I had to stop mid-way to thank the Lord. Because I knew in my heart that what I was reading was simply wise.
Thankfully I can answer question one to the positive though I desire to, as yet, do more while I’m still here.
Question two stopped me in my tracks.
The Lord Himself spoke to me through that question.
I thank you for asking it. Leaving me with that thought.
God bless your life. I pray you meet Him if you have not yet had the privilege.
It’s been the richest, not easy journey I’ve ever embarked upon. Never once have regretted saying “yes” to His gift of love.
Brooks
Your stories gave me chills. Such a fascinating circle! It’s also made me think of my legacy. It’s actually been a word I’ve been following throughout this year. Only I’ve been caught up on the money and paperwork side of things for my kids so I have something for them. Still have not been able to tackle my anxiety to step outside and take actions in my own personal journey though. I’m always sitting at the sidelines of me personally and only spending efforts to ensure the legacy of my loved ones. Not seeing that I’m leaving them impressions of me that I don’t care for them to remember! It’s so hard for me to take action for myself though! Your thoughts were motivating.
Vishen,
Very inspirational and written with your usual brilliance! My mother could not leave us anything material, but she left us with the lessons and values she instilled in our hearts. These are the intangible things we are passing on to our children and grandchildren.
I do have an observation, a request, I make with the respect I have for you. Your message would have been stronger, more meaningful, if you could have left off the P.S. I know I am not the only one who cannot afford MVU, no matter how wonderful I am sure it is. Ending an amazing, inspirational message with marketing, weakens the message.
With love and gratitude,
Melinda
These stories were very moving, and this the first I’ve heard of these 2 men and their sacrifices. I Never knew who the O’Hare was the airport was named after. What a profound realization that was revealed to me about legacy. i was moved to watery eyes with this lesson. I’ll make sure to remember that poem that Easy Eddie was carrying and the sacrifice he made to leave a proper legacy behind for his children and the world. This highly motivating for me as a father, to be sure to instill the correct core values in my children and to Honor their futures by living in Courage and truth. Thank You Vishen!