In the human mind there is often evidence of a longing to be remembered by posterity. Kings and presidents are automatically immortalized by having permanent places in the history books. Artists, inventors, writers, architects, and many others are exempted from oblivion by leaving tangible evidence of their existence and usefulness in the world.
But the majority of human beings may think they have reason to feel that although their lives are good and happy, they are not producing particularly imposing material monuments to their accomplishments on earth, and they may be concerned about it. (Though some who have children do derive some comfort from the thought that through these offspring they may be remembered by later generations—at least as a twig in the family tree.) They may unconsciously feel driven by the urge to accomplish or build something that humanity considers outstandingly memorable so that their names will not be forgotten.
The Bible comments on this human urge to be remembered. One early account in Hebrew history tells of God's promise to Abraham that he would make him "exceeding fruitful" Gen. 17:6; through a son of his wife, Sarah. And it records this message from God to the captive Jews in Babylon who at the time were without much prospect of leaving a remarkable record: "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end," Jer. 29:11; or, as it is translated in The New English Bible, "I alone know my purpose for you, says the Lord: prosperity and not misfortune, and a long line of children after you."
