The lure of “last words” in history has enamored human curiosity for centuries, digging into the innate details of the last words. With millions of words spoken throughout our lives, the weightage and wisdom of the last words always leave an imprint on the hearts of those they leave behind. The human race is always curious to decipher the last words/sentences to understand the fragile existence of life and its worth through the dying person’s perspective.
The last words also provide a glimpse into the person’s psyche, state of mind, acceptance of how little life is and their perspective as death invites them. As we reflect on last words of wisdom, we are reminded how fragile human existence is. We should try to cherish every moment of our life, live a healthy and wealthy life with no regrets in the end.
Let’s step into the final adios of 20 visionaries, artists and laureates.
20) “Pardon Me, Sir. I Did Not Do It On Purpose.”
Source: Wikipedia
These last words are said by Queen Marie Antoinette as she ascended to meet her fate. She stepped unintentionally on the foot of the executioner.
By asking for a Pardon, Marie Antoinette showed her nobility and kindness before facing death.
19) “I Can’t Sleep.”
Source: Wikipedia
These last words are said by J.M Barrie during his life’s last moments.
The man who brought joy and happiness to children and adults with Peter Pan and his marvelous adventures was unable to find peace in his last hours. Even in the end, he suffered from insomnia and restlessness.
18) “I Should Never Have Switched From Scotch to Martinis.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by an American actor, Humphrey Bogart.
According to some sources, these words are fabricated and he didn’t die mulling over his drink but instead, his final words were “Goodbye, Kids. Hurry Back.”
17) “I Am About To – Die.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by a French grammarian, Dominique Bouhours. He died in Paris in 1702.
16) “Have I Played The Part Well? Then Applaud As I Exit.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Roman Emperor, Augustus at the moment shortly before his death.
15) “Dammit.. Don’t You Dare Ask God To Help Me?”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Hollywood legend Joan Crawford to her housekeeper who started praying aloud as bedridden Joan was taking his last breaths.
14) “I Am Perplexed. Satan Get Out.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by a famous Occultist, Aleister Crowley as he died in poverty. He was guilty of the practices of black magic which he was involved in.
13) “Now Why Did I Do That.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words were said by General William Erskine after he committed suicide in Lisbon, Portugal in 1813.
12) “Hey Fellas! How About This For A Headline In Tomorrow’s Paper? French Fries!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by James French, a murderer who was sentenced to death by an electric chair. The members of the press heard these words while witnessing his execution.
11) “Bugger Bognor.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words were said by King George V. His physician suggested he relax by the seaside palace at Bognor Regis.
10) “It’s Stopped.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Joseph Henry Green as he checked his pulse on his deathbed.
9) “LSD, 100 micrograms I.M.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Aldous Huxley. Aldous was bedridden due to cancer that had metastasized. He made a written request to his wife for “LSD”. In the meantime, she obliged with a first dose and as she injected the second dose, Huxley died.
8) “You Have Won 0, Galilean.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words were said by Emperor Julian, As he tried to undo Christianity and bring back Roman beliefs.
A poem by Algernon Charles “Hymn to Proserpine” published in 1866 begins with this famous phrase of Emperor Julian.
7) “No, You Certainly Can’t.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by John F. Kennedy in reply to Nellie Connelly, The First Lady of Texas. She said, “Mr President, you can’t say Dallas doesn’t love you.”
6) “I Feel ILL. Call The Doctors!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Mao Zedong, The Chairman of PBC. He was on his deathbed, with deteriorated health after suffering from a heart attack.
This showed how helpless the lethal leader was on his deathbed, who also killed almost half of the population during his leadership.
5) “Tomorrow I Shall No Longer Be Here!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by a French astrologer, Nostradamus. He truly predicted his death and it turned out to be true.
4) “Put Out The Bloody Cigarette!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Henry Hugh Munro, a British author who was killed in World War I. He was shot dead by a German Sniper who heard his last words.
3) “Hurry Up! You Hoosier Bastard! I Could Kill Ten Men While You’re Fooling Around!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by an American serial killer, Carl Panzram. He spat in the executioner’s face during his execution and said these brutal words marked as his last words.
2) “Please Don’t Let Me Fall!”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by Mary Surratt, The first woman executed by the state government in 1865. She was convicted of being a conspirator in a plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln.
1) “Now, Now, My Good Man, This Is No Time For Making Enemies.”
Source: Wikipedia
These famous last words are said by the French philosopher, Voltaire. The priest asked Voltaire to repent and apologize for believing in Satan. Voltaire refused to say his last words and asked the priest to leave him alone.
