It’s natural to be afraid to die. Death is the perfect combination of inevitable and unknown that leaves us helpless and, at least for me, sleepless from time to time. It can then be helpful to know that some people went out fearless. Some people faced death head on and although they didn’t live to tell the tale, they can inspire us to do the same.
1. “Shoot coward, you are only going to kill a man.” - Che Guevara
These last words were spoken by Marxist revolutionary, Che Guevara, to Sergeant Jaime Terán, his executioner. It takes courage to face your execution and even more to call your executioner a coward.
2. “I’m so bored with it all.” - Winston Churchill
Churchill was the outspoken leader of the United Kingdom during World War II and has quite a library of great quotes. Famous for his fearless, devil may care, demeanor, his life was lived to the fullest. WIth that in mind it’s not unexpected he left us with a statement of ennui. Even death couldn’t shake him.
3. “I've had 18 straight whiskies, I think that's the record” - Dylan Thomas
Spoken by the Welsh poet to his doctor who was treating him for the a pain caused, most likely, by heavy drinking. Although the 18 straight whiskies might have helped make death less scary, it’s not easy going out on a joke. I haven’t checked to see if this is actually a record but I’m gonna assume it is, he earned it.
4. “Why fear death? It’s life’s greatest adventure.” - Charles Frohman
Frohman asked this question to French actress Rita Jolivet, as they both stood on the sinking RMS Lusitania. It should be noted these last words are quoted from his friend, J.M. Barrie’s, Peter Pan. Riding a torpedoed ship into the ocean and still being able to end it on relevant quote from a friends book has my admiration.
5. “Thank god. I’m tired of being the funniest person in the room.” - Del Close
Close was an actor and writer in Chicago famous for coaching some of the best comedians who have ever lived (If you don't believe me look at his notable students list on wikipedia). With a track record like that, he probably always was the funniest person in the room.
6. “ I must go in, the fog is rising” - Emily Dickinson
Dickinson, the famous American poet, was notably obsessed with death in her works. The pure acceptance of this eerie sounding last statement exudes closure with something that had haunted Dickinson her whole life.
7. “I am not the least afraid to die.” - Charles Darwin
A statement that so many wish they could say truthfully, spoken by a man who spent most of his life studying life.
Remember, death is scary but you are hardly the first to be scared of it. Many people have faced it head on and with courage. Maybe it’s nothing to worry about after all.
