The Profound Last Words of Ten Influential Thinkers
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Chapter 1 The Final Words That Resonate
The last statements of famous individuals often encapsulate their essence and beliefs. Karl Marx once quipped, “Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.”
1. Socrates
A cornerstone of Western philosophy, Socrates was born in 470 BC in Deme Alopece, Athens, and met his demise in 399 BC through forced suicide via poisoning. According to Plato, his final utterance was, “Crito, we owe a cock to Asklepios — Pay it and do not neglect it.”
2. Leonardo da Vinci
Renowned for his contributions to art, science, and anatomy, Leonardo was born on April 15, 1452, and passed away on May 2, 1519. He expressed regret in his final moments, stating, “I have offended God and Mankind, by doing so little with my life.”
3. Thomas Hobbes
As a pioneer of modern political philosophy, Hobbes was born on April 5, 1588, and died on December 4, 1679. His last words were reportedly, “A great leap in the dark,” uttered in his final conscious moments.
4. Sir Isaac Newton
A luminary in multiple scientific fields, Newton was born on January 4, 1643, and died peacefully on March 31, 1727. He reflected on his life with the words, “I don’t know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore...”
5. Voltaire
An Enlightenment thinker, Voltaire was born on November 21, 1694, and died on May 30, 1778. His wit remained sharp until the end, as he famously replied to a priest, “Now is not the time for making new enemies.”
6. Charles Darwin
Known for his groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology, Darwin was born on February 12, 1809, and passed away on April 19, 1882. In his last moments, he reassured his family, saying, “I am not the least afraid of death...”
7. Karl Marx
A pivotal figure in political philosophy, Marx was born on May 5, 1818, and died on March 14, 1883. His last words poignantly proclaimed, “Last words are for fools who haven’t said enough.”
8. Dmitri Mendeleev
The creator of the periodic table, Mendeleev was born on February 8, 1834, and died on February 2, 1907. His final words reflected his faith, stating, “Doctor, you have science, I have faith.”
9. Marie Curie
A pioneering physicist and chemist, Curie was born on November 7, 1867, and died on July 4, 1934. Declining painkillers, she simply said, “I don’t want it.”
10. Nikola Tesla
An innovative electrical engineer, Tesla was born on July 10, 1856, and died on January 7, 1943. A “do not disturb” sign was placed on his door, marking his final moments in solitude.
Chapter 2 Videos on Last Words of Great Thinkers
This video titled "The Last Words of Great Thinkers" explores the poignant final statements of influential minds, providing insight into their philosophies and legacies.
In the video "The Last Words of Famous Leaders," we delve into the final reflections of notable leaders, illustrating the weight and impact of their last thoughts.