Last words are very powerful. The last words ever spoken by a person can be humorous and witty, or they can be very emotionally charged and sincere - and everything in between. A person's last words can become a legacy, independent of the person who uttered them. I know there are plenty of famous last words out there, but these 12 stood out to me the most.
1. "Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him."
These were the last words of John Barrymore, a famous American actor during the early 1900s. I find this quote to be very powerful: everyone should feel that they are unconventional, that they are unique and profound.
2. "I'd hate to die twice. It's so boring."
Richard Feynman was a theoretical physicist of the twentieth century. His last words show just how an intelligent mind works: always seeking knowledge and being bored by the simple things.
3. "I am about to - or I am going to - die: either expression is correct."
The last words of Dominique Bouhours, a French grammarian, are indeed witty and slightly humorous. Even on his death bed, Bouhours maintained proper grammar and made a light-hearted comment on his own passing.
4. "Pardonnez-moi, monsieur."
These were the last words spoken by Marie Antoinette, the queen of France at the time of King Louis XVI, on her way to be executed. She had accidentally stepped on the foot of her executioner and begged his pardon before she fulfilled her sentence. I guess kindness transcends all else.
5. "Don't you dare ask God to help me."
Joan Crawford was an American actress during the 1900s. She became ill with cancer during her later years. While on her death bed, it was reported that a house maid had noticed her condition and began to pray for her. When Crawford saw the maid praying, she told her this.
6. "I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have."
These were Leonardo da Vinci's last words. Despite contributing so much to the world, he still felt that he could have done better. This rings synonymous with the old adage "there is always room for improvement."
7. "This is no time to be making new enemies."
When asked by a priest to renounce Satan, Voltaire replied with this quip. Voltaire was a French philosopher who was very well-known for his wittiness. He was very witty even on his death bed.
8. "Tomorrow, I shall no longer be here."
Many know the French apothecary Nostradamus for his eerily accurate predictions and prophecies. The last thing he prophesied was his own death, which occurred the night he stated he would no longer be here the following day.
9. "They couldn't hit an elephant from this dist-"
During the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864, General John Sedgwick was warned that he should not show himself over the ledge of where he was stationed. He began his reply but was ironically unable to finish it.
10. "Go away. I'm alright."
H. G. Wells' final sentiment was very simple and elegant. I personally think this might be one of my favorite quotes.
11. "This wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. Either it goes or I do."
Irish playwright Oscar Wilde uttered this humorous statement on his death bed in a Paris hotel room. This is definitely a way to pass on with a smile.
12. "Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven't said enough."
Karl Marx was a highly esteemed German economist and philosopher. His house keeper asked him for his final words in order to record them to contribute to his legacy, and this was his reply.
Last words can definitely have an impact in someone's life. They are extremely strong quotes that carry so much more meaning because they are the last thing that a person will ever say. I sometimes wonder what my last words will be. I just hope they compare to those on this list.
