Meaning: The quote "When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy, the only decent thing to do is die at once" is a wry and slightly humorous observation by the English author Samuel Butler. Samuel Butler (1835-1902) was a novelist, essayist, and critic who is best known for his satirical works. The quote reflects his wit and keen insight into human nature and social conventions.

Interpreting this quote requires an understanding of the concept of legacy. In traditional terms, a legacy refers to something passed down from a predecessor or ancestor, often in the form of property or money. However, in a broader sense, a legacy can also refer to the impact or influence that a person leaves behind. It can encompass the values, beliefs, and memories that shape how a person is remembered by others.

The quote suggests that when someone informs another person that they have left them a legacy, it would be appropriate for the person making the statement to die immediately. This advice is delivered in a playful and ironic manner, highlighting the absurdity of the expectation. It satirizes the idea of leaving a legacy and the social conventions surrounding it. Butler's use of the phrase "the only decent thing to do" adds a touch of dark humor to the quote, as it implies that failing to follow this advice would be indecent or improper.

One interpretation of this quote is that it critiques the self-importance and melodrama often associated with the idea of leaving a legacy. The statement is hyperbolic and intentionally exaggerated, serving as a commentary on the human tendency to dramatize and romanticize the notion of leaving a lasting impact on the world. By suggesting that dying immediately after informing someone of their legacy is the "decent" thing to do, Butler points out the absurdity of such expectations and the vanity often attached to the concept of legacy.

Another interpretation of this quote is that it may be a comment on the burden that comes with receiving a legacy. In a more literal sense, the quote could be seen as a humorous way of highlighting the awkwardness and responsibility that can accompany the receipt of a material or emotional inheritance. By suggesting that the best response to learning about a legacy is for the benefactor to die immediately, Butler may be drawing attention to the weight and complications that can arise from the transfer of wealth or influence from one individual to another.

Overall, Samuel Butler's quote offers a thought-provoking and humorous commentary on the concept of legacy and the social dynamics surrounding it. It challenges the seriousness and melodrama often attached to the idea of leaving a legacy, while also playfully highlighting the complexities and expectations involved in both leaving and receiving a legacy. Butler's witticism encourages reflection on the nature of human relationships, the significance of one's impact on others, and the often-misplaced seriousness with which legacies are approached in society.

In conclusion, Samuel Butler's quote "When you have told anyone you have left him a legacy, the only decent thing to do is die at once" serves as a satirical and thought-provoking commentary on the concept of legacy. Through its playful exaggeration and wry humor, the quote challenges the seriousness and melodrama often associated with the idea of leaving a lasting impact. It prompts reflection on the complexities and expectations involved in both leaving and receiving a legacy, inviting us to consider the true nature of our influence on others and the often-contrived significance placed on legacies in society.