Legacy and Information
Exploring the idea of leaving a legacy.
It's a core instinct of consciousness to be interested in leaving a legacy, beyond the expiration of ones human body. It doesn't really matter what philosophy, religion, or group you identify with - its a natural and fundamental urge. Consciousness is tightly interweaved with "information"... from a fundamental level of RNA coding/genetics, to the macro level of our communications and contributions to our family, friends and society at large.
Zooming out to view a span of generations or ages, only a small portion of created physical objects survive, and generally only if they are imbued with some significant meaning. Legacy is rarely preserved through physical objects. But conscious information and societal values transcend generations.
Procreation or adoption is one of the most straightforward ways to pass on a legacy. You are literally teaching and passing on your values on a daily basis, and you see your beliefs and interests carried on to the next generation... but even without raising children, a great teacher or friend can have monumental effects on many lives -- sometimes even a short period of contact may imbue a world view change in a friend or student. I've had a couple teachers that have done that for me... and I carry on their legacy now, and pass it on to others.
Note: Legacy need not be just about an individual, and its probably not best to obsess about the id... even if your specific name doesn't get passed down in history books, being a contributor to a collective conscious movement can ensure your legacy/beliefs live on. And when a new conscious being is catalyzed in the future, in a world which you helped shape some small bit, they will carry on a part of your consciousness-- and you may be somewhat "reborn", for lack of a better term.