Meaning of the word "you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" in English

What does "you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain

US /juː ˈiːðər daɪ ə ˈhɪroʊ ɔːr juː lɪv lɔːŋ ɪˈnʌf tuː siː jʊərˈsɛlf bɪˈkʌm ðə ˈvɪlən/
UK /juː ˈaɪðə daɪ ə ˈhɪərəʊ ɔː juː lɪv lɒŋ ɪˈnʌf tuː siː jɔːˈsɛlf bɪˈkʌm ðə ˈvɪlən/
"you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" picture

Idiom

a cynical observation that over time, even those with good intentions may eventually become corrupt or lose their integrity

Example:
The politician's scandal reminded everyone that you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
After years of corporate greed, the CEO realized that you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.