"Man is the only creature we know, that, when the term of his natural life is ended, leaves the memory of himself behind him"

This quote by William Godwin speaks to the distinct nature of humanity. It recommends that people are the only animals that are able to leave a long lasting legacy after their death. This legacy can take lots of forms, from physical objects such as monuments or masterpieces, to intangible things such as memories, stories, and ideas. This quote likewise implies that humans are the only animals that are able to transcend their own death. By leaving a long lasting memory of themselves behind, people have the ability to survive on in the minds of others, even after their physical life has actually ended. This quote works as a tip of the power of human imagination and the value of leaving a lasting legacy. It is a suggestion that, even after death, people can still have an impact on the world and the lives of those around them.