Once upon a time at the Frederic library, a group of people who met regularly over coffee were discussing the reported last words of Voltaire. The discussion soon wandered into the last words of other famous people. Several of us could think of comments made by some well-known people on their death beds. Many of these comments are very interesting; perhaps because you don’t think anyone is going to lie when they only have a few minutes to live. Or perhaps, we are fascinated because of some irony that these last words provide.
Voltaire is alleged to have refused to repent his sins because “He did not want to make any more enemies before he died.” He was referring to the fact that Satan would be upset if he now recanted on his lack of belief in religion or Christianity. Socrates last words were: “Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Please, don’t forget to pay the debt.” (Asclepius was the Greek god for curing illness, and it is likely Socrates’ last words meant that death is the cure—and freedom, of the soul from the body.) (Wikipedia reference)
Regardless of the reason for our fascination with these “last words”, there is no doubt that many of us find considerable inspiration in the last words of others. I am going to share some that I like in my blog today. If any of these motivate you, please feel free to send me your comments on why they inspire or excite you, or simply send me some famous last words that you like. I may post again on this subject if you can send me enough inspiration.
- Adams, John (1735-1826) “Thomas Jefferson–still survives…” (4 July 1826. Jefferson died on the same day.)
- Barrymore, John (1882-1942) Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him.
- Eastman, George (1854-1932) “My work is done, why wait?” (His suicide note.)
- Marx, Karl (1818-1883) “Go on, get out. Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.”
- Picasso, Pablo (1881-1973) “Drink to me.”
- Runyon, Damon (1884-1946) “You can keep the things of bronze and stone and give me one man to remember me just once a year.”
- Stein, Gertrude (1874-1946) “Just before she died she asked, `What is the answer?” No answer came. She laughed and said, “In that case what is the question?” Then she died.”
The above list of my favorites was taken from a much more extensive list that can be found at https://www.djsmapping.com/words.shtml, “Real Last Words from Famous People.”
As you ponder my list, will it provoke you to think the obvious or maybe not so obvious? Is it too early to wonder or maybe even plan what you will say for your last words? My friend Harold’s last words were, “No regrets.” Harold was the most positive person I have ever met in my life. Right up to the end (he died of pancreatic cancer), he truly had no regrets in his life. I always found that unbelievable as my regrets would fill a book.
I wonder what my last words will be. I am not anxious to find out. At 76, I am still enjoying good health, a great spouse, and more peaceful days then when I was younger. My last words will have to await my last breaths. Truly, none of us will know what our last words will be until our final hours regardless of how we approach death or how we want to die.
Nevertheless, while we may not have a choice over our last words, we can decide what we want written on our tombstone. This is something we do have a choice over. Do you want to leave only your name and date of death on your tomb or do you want to leave some inspiration for future cemetery wanderers? (I am aware of those individuals who choose to be cremated, which while very cost effective and environmentally ethical is almost a boring way to leave this planet.) One of my favorite things to do on vacations is to wander in old cemeteries in countries or places that I am visiting. They are free to visit, and they provide an almost endless source of inspiration, wonder and even amusement. For instance, in Boot Hill cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona, one of the tombstones reads as follows:
“Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a 44, no Les, no more.”
What would you like written on your tombstone? What do you want the world to remember you for or think of you as they pass by your resting place. This can be a fun and thought-provoking activity. Here are some thoughts I have for my epitaph.
- I searched for the truth but never found it.
- Why? Why? Why?
- The more I learned, the less I knew, until I knew everything about nothing
Feel free to send me your epitaph or post it in the comments section. I will look forward to being inspired.
Aging Capriciously 