Some final words became famous because they captured a person’s courage, humor, regret, or the extraordinary moment in history they were living through.
Marie Antoinette
“Oh, pardon me, sir, I did not mean to do it.”
The former Queen of France stumbled and stepped on the foot of her executioner, Charles-Henri Sanson, while making her way to the guillotine during the French Revolution. Even as she faced certain death before a jeering crowd, the manners she had learned as a member of the royal court were etched deep within her subconscious.
Oscar Wilde
“My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has got to go.”
The great Irish playwright kept up his trademark brazen sense of humor even on his deathbed. Tragically laid up in bed with meningitis in a rundown Paris hotel room, Wilde made one last facetious quip about his depressing wallpaper. Not long after, he passed away.
Karl Marx
“Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough!”
The philosopher didn’t take too kindly to his housekeeper asking him for his dying words so that she could jot them down for history. After decades of publishing influential political writings, manifestos, and dense volumes on economics, Marx believed he had already said plenty.
Leonardo da Vinci
“I have offended God and mankind because my work didn’t reach the quality it should have.”
The man who produced some of the most amazing art and revolutionary inventions known to mankind died regretting that he didn’t do enough. Leonardo’s last words were spoken from his deathbed as he lamented his perceived perfectionism, procrastination, and unfinished projects.
Horatio Nelson
“Thank God I have done my duty.”
Admiral Nelson was fatally injured in 1805 during the Battle of Trafalgar. He lived long enough to hear that Britain had defeated France and Spain. It comforted him to know that he had accomplished his goal. His last words supposedly summed up his life of service to his country.
Charles Darwin
“I am not the least afraid of death.”
The iconic naturalist who founded evolution as we know it today died with serene acceptance. His health was quickly deteriorating, and Darwin comforted his mourning family and told them he did not fear death because he wholeheartedly understood how life worked. His last words mirrored his down-to-earth demeanor and attentiveness to life that he exhibited during his years of research.
Steve Jobs
“Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.”
As reported by sister Mona Simpson, Apple co-founder looked beyond his loved ones and over their shoulders during his last moments. He murmured the phrase, comprised of just three words, with awe seconds before he died of pancreatic cancer. Many who stood by him felt as if he were seeing something remarkable.
Winston Churchill
“I’m bored with it all.”
The British Prime Minister who raised the spirits of his country during World War II faced his advanced years with resignation. Just before entering a coma from which he would die at 90 years old, Winston Churchill sighed and uttered, “I am bored with it all.” Tired of fighting political wars, world wars, and serving his country for over 70 years, he was ready for retirement.
Ludwig van Beethoven
“Applaud, my friends, the comedy is finished.”
On his deathbed in Vienna, the composer was said to have uttered the traditional Latin phrase spoken at the end of stage plays in Ancient Rome. It’s as if Beethoven, who suffered from serious sickness throughout life as well as loneliness and near-total deafness, felt life was like a stage play that could sometimes take on tragic twists and turns.
John Adams
“Thomas Jefferson survives.”
One interesting historical coincidence occurred when Adams died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While passing away, he muttered about his longtime political rival and friend, Thomas Jefferson. Adams was unaware that Jefferson had died five hours earlier that same day.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
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