Buzz
This list serves as a continuation of '20 Famous Last Words.' Some quotes are sourced from the comments, while others come from my personal insights and research. The deathbed often prompts individuals to speak with raw honesty, and sometimes even wit. These words resonate with us all because, eventually, we will all find ourselves in the same situation—what will your final words be?
3. Entries 1 – 5
1. Es Lebe Die Freiheit! (Long live freedom!)
Spoken by: Hans Scholl – German resistance leader, uttered from the guillotine just before his execution in 1943.
2. Go on, leave! Last words are for those who haven’t spoken enough!
Spoken by: Karl Marx, when his housekeeper inquired if he had any final words.
3. I have not revealed even half of what I experienced.
Spoken by: Marco Polo – Venetian traveler and writer.
4. A King must die while standing.
Spoken by: Louis XVIII, King of France. King Louis endured gout, which confined him to a wheelchair for much of his life.
5. Brothers! Brothers, please! This is a place of peace!
Spoken by: Malcolm X – American human rights activist, trying to stop a fight just moments before he was shot.
4. Entries 16 – 20
16. The fire is out of control! We need to evacuate – the flames are overwhelming…
This quote is attributed to an Apollo 1 astronaut, likely Roger Chaffee, who tragically lost his life in a launchpad fire in 1967.
17. Returning to the palace, knowing death is imminent…
This was spoken by Czar Alexander II of Russia following an assassination attempt by an anarchist. He succumbed to his injuries just hours after making the statement.
18. Don’t interrupt my geometric work!
This was spoken by Archimedes, the renowned Greek mathematician, who met his end at the hands of Roman soldiers while working on his geometric proofs in the sand.
19. Don’t let me pass away without leaving something behind to say.
This final statement was made by Emiliano Zapata, a key figure in the Mexican revolution.
20. Well, my friends, you’re about to witness a well-done Appel.
These words were spoken by George Appel, a man convicted of murder, who was condemned to die in the electric chair. He directed them to the press members who had come to witness his execution.
1. Items 11 – 15
11. Take it easy — This won’t be painful.
These were the final words written by the author Hunter S. Thompson in his suicide note.
12. Acta est fabula, plaudite! (The performance has ended, applaud!)
This phrase is attributed to Caesar Augustus, the ruler of the Roman Empire, and was often used to mark the conclusion of a show in Roman theatres.
13. I know you’ve come to execute me. Go ahead, coward, you’re only killing a man.
These words were spoken by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara de la Serna Lynch just before his execution in Bolivia.
14. My wallpaper and I are locked in a mortal struggle. One of us must give in.
This quote is attributed to Oscar Wilde.
15. This is one hell of a way to meet my end.
These words were spoken by George S. Patton, who died from a car accident while out hunting.
2. Items 6 – 10
6. Die, my dear? Why, that’s the last thing I’ll do!
Said by: Groucho Marx
7. Hello. We’re looking in … We’re overlooking the Financial Center. Three of us. Two broken windows — Oh god! Oh g—
Said by: Kevin Cosgrove, an office worker who called for help during the 09/11 attacks and was cut off as the building collapsed around him.
8. In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in blood and guts, and in living color, you are going to see another first — attempted suicide.
This was said by Christine Chubbuck, a 30-year-old anchorwoman, who tragically shot herself live on the air.
9. I can now traverse the Shifting Sands.
This quote comes from L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz, referring to the unpassable deserts that encircle the Land of Oz.
10. France, army, Joséphine… (France, army, Josephine…)
These words were spoken by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Emperor of France, as he lay on his deathbed.
