The Talented Mr. Ripley: The Illusion of Self-Worth and Social Value

In the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, the central character, Tom Ripley, embodies a complex intersection of self-worth, social value, and the illusion of identity. Ripley, a young man from a modest background, struggles with an inherent sense of inadequacy as he yearns to belong to the elite circles of wealth and privilege.

Through his pursuit of Dickie Greenleaf’s life—a life of leisure, confidence, and high social status—the film explores how self-worth is often tied to external validation and social perceptions. Ripley’s journey reflects the illusion that true value comes from being accepted by society, and how the desire to “fit in” can ultimately lead to self-destruction.

Effortless Belonging: Dickie’s Privilege and Social Ease

Dickie’s ability to effortlessly interact with people and the world around him stems from his privileged upbringing, his natural charisma, and his sense of entitlement. Unlike Tom, who is constantly calculating his place in social hierarchies, Dickie moves through life with a carefree confidence that comes from never having to prove himself. His wealth and status give him the luxury of engaging with people on his own terms, without fear of rejection or failure.

This dynamic is perfectly illustrated in the jazz club scenes. The club is an open, vibrant space filled with energy, where Dickie seamlessly integrates himself into the music and the crowd. He plays the saxophone with ease, embodying someone who is not just watching but actively participating in the experience. His ability to engage with the world is instinctive—he belongs everywhere because he has never been made to feel like an underdog. In contrast, Tom, despite his admiration for Dickie’s charm, remains on the periphery, observing rather than truly belonging, he needs to be invited first to be allowed to participate. The jazz club, like a modern night club, becomes a metaphor for the larger world: a space where those with status move freely and confidently, while outsiders like Tom struggle to find their place.

Spontaneity is often admired because it reflects a freedom from the constraints of overthinking and societal expectations. People who live in the moment, like Dickie, are seen as confident and unburdened by the pressures of planning for the future. Their ability to embrace the present with enthusiasm and authenticity draws others in, offering a refreshing contrast to the often calculated and controlled lives most people lead. This unrestrained approach to life can feel magnetic, as it speaks to a sense of liberation and adventure that many secretly desire but rarely allow themselves to experience.

Effortless Confidence: The Quiet Power of Those Who Belong Everywhere

Some modest individuals exude confidence and a natural sense of belonging without relying on wealth or arrogance. Their self-assurance stems from an internalized sense of self-worth, shaped by strong personal values, life experiences, or an upbringing that emphasized dignity over status. Many were raised to feel at ease in any social setting, developing emotional intelligence and conversational ease through good parenting, diverse experiences, or innate charisma.

Others gain this confidence through exposure and adaptation, learning that status is superficial and that all people are fundamentally human. Their humility allows them to connect authentically, while their quiet confidence makes them appear effortlessly at home in any environment. Unlike those who seek validation, they simply exist with the assurance that they belong.

To contrast this, Freddie Miles is wealthy in The Talented Mr. Ripley. He comes from an elite background, much like Dickie Greenleaf and Meredith Logue. His confidence, arrogance, and carefree lifestyle reflect his privileged upbringing. Unlike Dickie, who at least pretends to entertain outsiders like Tom for amusement, Freddie is more openly suspicious and dismissive of those who don’t belong to his social class. His wealth and status allow him to navigate the world with ease, which is why he immediately senses that something is off about Tom—he recognizes that Tom lacks the natural entitlement that comes with being truly wealthy.

The Struggle for Authenticity and the Mask of Confidence

At the heart of The Talented Mr. Ripley is Tom Ripley’s longing to be someone he is not. Born into a modest, unremarkable life, Ripley is consumed by the desire to elevate himself to the rarefied air of those who embody wealth, sophistication, and social power. Dickie Greenleaf, the privileged heir to a fortune, becomes the object of Ripley’s obsession. Dickie’s life represents a freedom that Ripley believes will offer him the approval and validation he so desperately craves. However, this pursuit leads Ripley to impersonate Dickie, to hide behind a mask of confidence that he feels he can never truly claim as his own.

Ripley’s imitation of Dickie and his eventual assumption of his identity reveal a deep psychological struggle. While Dickie exudes a natural confidence, Ripley’s self-worth remains tenuous. He knows that his life of privilege is a fragile construct—one that requires constant reinforcement to maintain. Ripley’s sense of value is not rooted in his own talents or achievements but is instead contingent on an external standard of success and status. He sees himself unconsciously as “less than” because of his social upbringing, and his actions are driven by a desire to prove that he can be just as worthy, if not more so, than those who were born into privilege.

The Illusion of Self-Worth and the External Validation Trap

Ripley’s belief that his worth is intrinsically tied to social approval reflects a broader commentary on the way self-worth is often constructed through external validation. In the world of The Talented Mr. Ripley, value is measured not by internal qualities like competence or integrity, but by superficial markers of status—wealth, connections, and appearances. The society depicted in the film places far more value on one’s ability to “fit in”, live the “dolce vita” and project a certain image than on any true measure of personal worth or merit. The appreciation of music, fashion, and the art of living is undeniably part of this subjective ability to possess, as demonstrated by Tom’s introduction to jazz culture.

This dynamic is evident in Dickie’s carefree attitude toward life. He moves through the world with a kind of privileged confidence, not because he is inherently superior, but because his birthright has secured his place within an elite social structure. Dickie’s lack of awareness about the fragility of his own position—his blind trust in his inherited status—is contrasted sharply with Ripley’s awareness of how tenuous his own worth feels. For Ripley, success is not about doing the work or gaining true competence; it’s about appearing successful, about embodying the values of those who have always belonged.

This outward display of confidence—often mistaken for self-worth—becomes an illusion in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Ripley’s mimicry of Dickie’s life and persona is a desperate attempt to buy into that illusion. What he fails to realize is that self-worth cannot be bought or borrowed; it cannot be forged from the outside in. In trying to live out someone else’s life, Ripley inadvertently strips himself of his own identity, leaving him more lost and self-estranged than ever.

Self-Worth as a Construct: The Consequences of Forging a Fake Identity

Ripley’s journey offers a poignant exploration of the human condition—specifically, the tension between authenticity and the performance required to fit into a certain social narrative. As Ripley becomes more entangled in the lie of his constructed identity, he loses sight of who he is. The longer he wears Dickie’s mask, the less real he becomes to himself. His identity is reduced to a series of actions designed to maintain the illusion of success, and the emotional cost is staggering.

In seeking to achieve social value through external means—through adopting the life of a wealthy, confident, and admired man—Ripley fails to achieve genuine self-worth. His actions, driven by envy and the desire for acceptance, ultimately lead him to a path of isolation and despair. The film presents a sobering commentary on how social value and self-worth are often distorted in a world that places more importance on status than on individual authenticity.

The Real Value of Competence and Self-Approval

While the film presents Ripley as a figure driven by the desire to be accepted into a world of wealth and privilege, it also offers a subtle critique of the concept of self-worth as defined by external validation. Dickie Greenleaf, despite his apparent confidence and ease, represents the unearned privilege that is often linked to social value. Tom Ripley, on the other hand, while far more competent in certain areas—such as his ability to blend into various social situations and manipulate those around him—lacks the fundamental self-approval that comes with being truly competent in one’s own right.

It is a parent’s responsibility to help their children believe they can accomplish anything they desire by confronting the chaos and realities of life. You’d be surprised at how few men receive encouragement, or are even discouraged, from expressing their will to power, forced to live in self-denial. Imagine now being advised by your parents to settle for a subservient job, not as a stepping stone, but as a final destination. It speaks to the emotional impact of being told, even implicitly, that you’re not capable of reaching higher goals or pursuing something greater. 

If Ripley were to invest in his own abilities, nurture his own talents, and build a life based on his personal skills rather than his ability to mimic others, he could achieve a real sense of self-worth. The movie suggests that true value is found not in the superficial markers of wealth or status but in the ability to be authentic, to embrace one’s own identity, and to contribute value in meaningful ways.

The advantage of time for heir in their career

The Talented Mr. Ripley highlights how heirs have the luxury of time to educate themselves and immerse in art, music, and culture, a privilege that sets them apart from those who must work to survive. Characters like Dickie Greenleaf embody this effortless access to refinement, spending their days leisurely exploring jazz, painting, food and European travel.

Having the financial freedom to travel, settle anywhere, and employ maids offers a major advantage, allowing for greater time and energy to dedicate to introspection, personal growth and at the end authenticity.

However, the film also subtly reveals that true artistic mastery and intellectual depth require dedication, struggle, and discipline—qualities that many heirs, cushioned by wealth, often lack the motivation to cultivate. Dickie enjoys the aesthetics of an artistic life but ultimately treats it as a pastime rather than a serious pursuit, whereas Ripley, despite being an imposter, demonstrates the hunger and adaptability that often drive genuine achievement.

The Double Standard of Morality: How Flaws are Celebrated and Virtue is Questioned

In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dickie Greenleaf’s openness about his flaws, such as hedonism, lust, and infidelity, ironically makes him more attractive to those around him. His unrepentant attitude and indulgence in pleasure create a sense of authenticity and freedom that others admire, as he doesn’t hide his true desires.

In contrast, Tom Ripley, who constantly maintains an image of morality and perfection, is shrouded in secrecy. His inability to show his flaws makes him seem distant and untrustworthy, as people sense something is hidden beneath his carefully curated persona. Ripley’s constant effort to maintain a façade ultimately isolates him, while Dickie’s flaws, embraced openly, draw others in.

This contrast highlights how, in a world of masks and façades, it is often the acceptance of imperfection that creates genuine connections. One of the most telling examples is how Marge accepts his infidelity.

Behind the façade of Dickie

Dickie does seem to have a complicated relationship with his roots, particularly his Princeton and American background. He expresses disdain for the expectations placed on him due to his wealth and background, which contributes to his desire to escape the pressures of his upbringing.

His constructed identity reflects a rejection of his American, upper-class roots. He embraces an image of European sophistication, particularly through his lifestyle in Italy, which aligns more with his aspirations of freedom, independence, and a more carefree existence. Dickie creates an idealized version of himself that he believes is more authentic and meaningful than the life he was born into. However, this identity isn’t necessarily stable or deeply rooted in self-awareness. It’s more of an escape from the constraints of his upbringing and the expectations of others.

In this sense, his identity is highly constructed. It’s a performance of sorts, shaped by his desire to separate himself from the pressures of his past, even though he can never fully escape the core of who he is. His rejection of his American roots, in particular, seems to be part of his quest for a sense of freedom and individuality that he feels is lacking in his home life.

Note : “Tu vuò fà l’americano” is a lively Italian swing song from 1956, written by Renato Carosone and Nicola Salerno. The lyrics humorously critique Italians who adopt American habits—drinking whiskey, dancing rock and roll, and wearing trendy fashion—while still depending on traditional Italian customs, like borrowing money from their parents. The song became iconic for its energetic rhythm and playful social commentary, famously featured in The Talented Mr. Ripleyduring the jazz club scene, symbolizing the allure of American culture and the theme of identity transformation.

Tom Ripley’s Struggle to Escape Subservience

In The Talented Mr. Ripley, the lower class is depicted as serving the interests of the higher class through roles that both literally and symbolically reinforce the power dynamics between them. Ripley, a man of modest origins, is required to play the piano at social gatherings and even clean the shoulders of the wealthy in the bathroom, actions that highlight his subservient position. These tasks, seemingly trivial yet loaded with meaning, emphasize the way in which the lower class is expected to cater to the desires and comfort of the elite.

Despite his personal ambition to rise above his station, Ripley’s interactions with the wealthy underscore a deeper societal truth: those from humble beginnings are often relegated to roles that maintain the status and privileges of the upper class, sacrificing their self-actualization in the process. However, Ripley seeks to reverse this dynamic—he craves not only to escape his subservient role but to fully infiltrate the world of the elite, even if it means adopting deceitful and morally questionable tactics. His desire to upend the established hierarchy and gain the privileges of the higher class drives his every action, ultimately making him willing to do whatever it takes to reshape his destiny.

What we can learn from Tom Ripley?

This film seeks to convey several key lessons and messages. In the world of the Talented Mr Ripley:

• Social value is not solely determined by competence or wisdom. It is often influenced by factors such as social status, wealth, and family connections, which may not necessarily reflect an individual’s true abilities or knowledge.
• Self-worth is not something that must be earned, but rather something we must grant ourselves in our present state—an acceptance of who we are in our entirety.
• Self-worth is partially shaped by how others have treated us from childhood through to adulthood. Self-worth can therefore be designed by external forces.
• Those born into dominant social positions have little to prove, while individuals from modest backgrounds are constantly required to prove their worth.
• The world of old money operates like an exclusive club, where entry is determined by inherited wealth and connections. For regular people, breaking through feels nearly impossible, despite their efforts or potential.

Tom Ripley is a fascinating character because he embodies the complexities of ambition, identity, and morality. On the surface, he appears as a cunning, opportunistic individual willing to deceive and manipulate to climb the social ladder. His desire to belong to a world of wealth and status, symbolized by Dickie Greenleaf, reveals a deep insecurity and an internal conflict between authenticity and the facade he constructs to gain acceptance.

Ripley’s character is a commentary on the destructive nature of societal expectations, particularly around wealth and status. He sacrifices his own sense of self to play the “game” that society prizes, which leads to moral corruption and self-alienation. His journey is tragic because it illustrates the lengths people can go to in order to be validated by others, often at the expense of their true selves. Ultimately, Ripley becomes a symbol of the dangers of losing one’s moral compass and identity in the pursuit of external success, making him a deeply tragic and, in some ways, relatable character. His story raises important questions about authenticity, the cost of social approval, and the tension between personal integrity and societal expectations.

Privilege and Self-Mastery: The Divergent Paths of Heirs and the Self-Made

Heirs often have the advantage of wealth and social status, which can provide a sense of security that reduces the immediate pressure to prove themselves. While this privilege can sometimes lessen the drive for self-mastery, many successful parents actively teach their children the value of hard work, discipline, and personal growth. They understand that success isn’t solely about inheritance, but also about building character and resilience. This guidance can encourage heirs to develop self-discipline and a strong work ethic, ensuring they don’t rely solely on their privilege but also on their abilities to navigate life’s challenges.

On the other hand, individuals from modest backgrounds often face greater challenges and must work harder to prove their worth. This can lead them to focus intensely on self-mastery, resilience, and personal growth, as their success is often determined by their own efforts. However, just like heirs, individuals from modest backgrounds can benefit from a supportive environment that teaches the keys to success, such as perseverance and the ability to adapt. In this way, both heirs and those from modest backgrounds can develop the drive for self-improvement, with the right guidance and mindset, ultimately navigating life’s obstacles with determination and strength.

The Subtle Boundaries of Class in The Talented Mr. Ripley

In The Talented Mr. Ripley, class distinctions are deeply ingrained, shaping opportunities, social interactions, and personal aspirations. Ripley’s attempts to blend into the world of the wealthy reveal how these barriers, though often unspoken, remain firmly in place. Here are some key indicators of where one stands within this social hierarchy:

• Inheritance vs. Self-Made Paths – Those born into privilege inherit financial security and status, while others must build everything from the ground up, often without a safety net.
• Freedom in Career Choices – The wealthy can pursue artistic or intellectual passions without concern for financial stability. In contrast, those from modest backgrounds often feel pressure to choose practical careers to secure their livelihood.
• The Power of Connections – Social circles open doors effortlessly for the well-connected, while outsiders must continuously prove their worth to gain access.
• Subtle Social Cues – The way one is treated—whether with effortless respect or quiet condescension—often reflects unspoken class distinctions.
• Stability vs. Uncertainty – While setbacks may be inconvenient for the privileged, they rarely threaten their long-term security. For those without inherited wealth, financial missteps can have lasting consequences.
• The Burden of Costs – Everyday expenses, taxes, and systemic economic structures often make it difficult for individuals without optimized generational wealth to accumulate lasting financial security.
• The Struggle for Freedom – The middle and lower classes are caught in a cycle of servility, driven by the need for financial stability, which forces them into jobs focused on survival rather than personal fulfillment or building generational wealth, restricting their freedom and individuality.

In The Talented Mr. Ripley, these class boundaries are not just about money, but about cultural familiarity, access, and an unspoken sense of belonging. No matter how much Ripley refines his appearance or mannerisms, the gap remains—subtle, yet impossible to ignore.

Passing the Burden: How the Middle Class Deflects Responsibility to the Next Generation

In Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom Ripley’s youth is depicted as troubled, lonely, and marked by a sense of alienation. He is the product of a difficult childhood, growing up in a working-class environment with little affection or support from his family. His father was absent, and his mother, whom he does not have a close bond with, sent him to boarding school. Tom never felt a strong sense of belonging, and his early years were shaped by feelings of inadequacy and rejection.

Tom is described as having been a “nobody,” someone who was often overlooked by others. He struggles with feelings of inferiority, particularly because of his social class and his lack of family connections. This leads him to develop a complex relationship with identity and self-worth. He is envious of those who have wealth, privilege, and connections, which fuels his desire to escape his circumstances and assume a different persona.

In The Talented Mr. Ripley, Tom Ripley, raised by his aunt after being orphaned, reflects how the lower and middle class perpetuate societal expectations without challenging them. While his aunt may have provided material support, she neglects to teach him how to navigate a world defined by rigid class structures. This passive upbringing leaves him subservient and struggling for social recognition, trapped in a cycle of unattainable aspirations.

The role of Meredith and Peter

Meredith is drawn to Tom even before mistaking him for Dickie because he presents himself with a quiet charm, attentiveness, and an air of mystery that intrigue her. Unlike the openly confident and entitled men in her social circle, Tom appears refined yet unassuming, making her feel special and understood. His ability to observe, mirror, and adapt to the mannerisms of the wealthy gives him an effortless sophistication without the arrogance of privilege. This outsider’s romanticized allure, combined with his apparent depth, makes him captivating to someone like Meredith, who seeks connection beyond predictable elitism.

Peter, on the other hand, provides a deeper emotional anchor for Tom in the story. He is sincere, emotionally open, and represents a kind of authenticity that Tom both yearns for and fears. Unlike Meredith, who fits comfortably into the social circle Tom aspires to infiltrate, Peter is more grounded and not entirely swept up in the superficial allure of wealth and status. As Tom’s romantic interest, Peter slowly begins to suspect that Tom is not who he claims to be, which makes him an unwitting witness to Tom’s growing desperation.

His character highlights the emotional toll of Tom’s duplicity, revealing that even the deepest connections—like the one Tom longs to have with Peter—can be shattered by lies and deceit. Together, Meredith and Peter offer contrasting glimpses into the world Tom so badly wants to be part of, showing how Tom’s pursuit of that world through deception is ultimately unsustainable and self-destructive.

The Illusion of Social Value: How Inadequacy Breeds Resentment

Social value is an illusion, driven by fleeting external validation and societal expectations. People fear confronting their inadequacies, as it forces them to face uncomfortable truths. When others achieve what they cannot, it highlights their own perceived failures. Rather than using this as motivation for growth, many deflect by resenting those who succeed or expose their weaknesses, finding it easier than self-reflection.

This resentment stems from a deep internal struggle, where criticizing others feels less painful than addressing personal shortcomings. Success serves as a painful reminder of unfulfilled potential, leading many to tear others down to protect fragile self-esteem. Social esteem often relies on comforting others while tolerating criticism, whereas true value emerges in circles where awareness fosters genuine exchanges of ideas.

Social interactions often drive individuals to compare themselves to others to determine the power dynamics, rather than relying on their own sense of self-worth. Initially, Dickie viewed Tom as an entertaining and inexperienced curiosity. However, during a candid conversation on the boat, where Tom also highlights Dickie’s flaws, the situation rapidly escalates into a tense confrontation that exposes uncomfortable truths. This ultimately leads to violence, revealing Dickie’s true nature and his belief in his superiority over Tom, whom he deems to be of a lower class because of his upbringing.

Tom Ripley the precursor of the modern influenceur

Tom Ripley can be seen as a precursor to the modern influencer, crafting an illusion of wealth, status, and belonging much like many do on social media today. Just as Ripley meticulously constructs his identity to infiltrate the elite world of Dickie Greenleaf, influencers curate their online personas to project an image of luxury, success, and effortless living.

Both rely on deception—Ripley through forgery and crime, influencers through selective storytelling, filters, and staged content—to gain social validation. The parallel highlights a timeless truth: the desire for admiration and acceptance often leads individuals to sacrifice authenticity, shaping their lives around an illusion that may ultimately consume them.

While pretending may work to an extent, it often comes with a cost—whether that’s emotional, psychological, or social. The system rewards appearances, but the toll it takes on an individual’s authenticity and mental health is an important consideration in the longer run.

Illusions of Security: Herbert Greenleaf’s Lost Legacy

Herbert Greenleaf in The Talented Mr. Ripley embodies the tragedy of a man who once believed in the certainty of his future, only to have it shattered by the unexpected death of his son, Dickie. Throughout the film, Herbert is portrayed as someone who has placed all his hopes and expectations on Dickie, seeing him as the key to securing both his personal legacy and social standing. Herbert’s life is structured around the belief that his son will follow a prescribed path, thus ensuring the family’s wealth and position.

However, when Dickie dies, this carefully constructed future unravels, leaving Herbert in a state of profound uncertainty. His once secure and predictable life turns into a painful void, revealing that no amount of wealth or status can shield one from the unpredictability of life. Herbert’s tragedy lies not only in the loss of his son but also in the realization that even those who seem to have control over their destinies are not immune to the randomness and cruelty of existence.

Escaping the Prison of Limited Beliefs

We can be socially imprisoned by limited beliefs. These beliefs, often formed by societal norms, cultural expectations, or past experiences, shape how we view ourselves and others. They create invisible boundaries that restrict our potential, limit our actions, and prevent us from exploring different possibilities in life. For instance, the belief that success is defined solely by material wealth or social status can prevent someone from pursuing a career or lifestyle that brings them true fulfillment.

Moreover, social conditioning often reinforces conformity, making people feel compelled to follow a set of predefined roles or paths, whether in their careers, relationships, or personal lives. Challenging these limited beliefs requires self-awareness and courage, as it means stepping outside of what is familiar and comfortable. Breaking free from these social constraints opens up the possibility for growth, self-discovery, and living a life that aligns more authentically with one’s values and desires.

A few words on the Netflix TV Show adaptation RIPLEY

First and foremost, Ripley on Netflix showcases breathtaking cinematography, expertly crafted by director of photography Robert Elswit. Its black-and-white visuals strike a perfect balance between timeless elegance and a modern film noir aesthetic.

In this adaptation, Dickie appears less frivolous and more genuinely committed to pursuing a career as an artist. However, the show contains significant inconsistencies, such as how Ripley manages to deceive the highly observant detective Ravini with a wig, and how Marge herself comes across as somewhat parasitic.

In the Ripley TV show, Freddie and Dickie are portrayed as intellectual and artistic introverts, which is quite different from their more extroverted, confident counterparts in the movie. This shift in characterization highlights how these characters can still carry a sense of entitlement or privilege despite not being overtly charismatic or outwardly sociable. It’s a subtle exploration of how social power and class dynamics can manifest in ways other than outward confidence or popularity. Even though they might appear introverted or reclusive, their status and upbringing still afford them certain privileges, which, in turn, shape how they interact with others—particularly someone like Tom, who is on the outside trying to fit in.

Honestly, in both adaptations, Thomas Ripley realistically shouldn’t be able to evade justice. However, the story is less about plausibility and more about social ascent, with this latest version almost seeming to rationalize the means.

Conclusion: The Illusion of Self-Worth and Social Value

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a powerful exploration of how personal worth can be blurred by the illusion of social esteem. Contrary to what one might think, Dickie Greenleaf embodies a far more genuine form of success than Tom Ripley. Dickie naturally belongs to this world of privilege, while Ripley desperately tries to gain access through imitation and deception. The film thus highlights that true value does not solely come from status or social acceptance but also from authenticity and a real sense of belonging. While society often prioritizes wealth and image, the film invites us to question the illusion of self-worth based on these external and, for some, unattainable markers.

Ultimately, Ripley’s tragic trajectory illustrates that the cost of living a false identity—one built on the approval of others—can be far greater than the cost of accepting oneself. Despite his flaws, Dickie lives without needing to prove his legitimacy, whereas Ripley is condemned to a life of perpetual deception, incapable of thriving outside of his masquerade. The film thus urges us to reconsider the source of our personal value and to find meaning not in the ideals society imposes upon us, but in what we are truly capable of embodying.

In both the 1999 film and the recently released Netflix series, Ripley successfully escapes. One interpretation is that the story focuses on themes of identity and social structures, highlighting how an individual can break free from a subservient position to achieve autonomy, which requires stepping outside conventional norms, and how the course of life can shift when the security of a guaranteed legacy disappears.