FINAL WORDS

"I Told You I Was Sick." 10 Famous Last Words Explained

Credit: Matt Botsford

One wise old man once said: "Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inextinguishable source of magic. Capable of inflicting injury and remedying it. But in our opinion that isn’t the only thing words can do. Even in the darkest times, words can also make us laugh and find the magic behind the afterlife. In this article, we’ve gathered ten famous epitaphs that had a thing or two to comment on. Read on and enjoy!

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We already know that the end of this road called life is the same for us all, no one can escape death. Now, for Mel Blanc, the man of 1000 voices, that knowledge was perfectly represented by his most iconic line.

Mel Blanc was a legendary voice actor and the voice of over 400 characters among those you can find Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes. And the words were forever fixed on his tombstone.

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This phrase belongs to Joan Hackett, the American film and television actress. Joan had many prominent roles in her life, including Will Penny, Mourning Becomes Electra, and Only When I Laugh which won her the Gloden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 1981 and her death came on October two years later. Her remains are buried in The Abbey of The Psalms Mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and whoever visits her tomb receives a final request from her: "Go away - I’m asleep!"

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Our final words deserve a good thought before we make any decision, they can be forever used to remind the world of our important contributions and that was the case of Martin Luther King Jr. who quoted himself in one of the most famous speeches in history "I have a dream."

Faithful to his inspirational spirit, Luther King’s final words are "Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty I’m free at last!"

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It is no surprise that the best epitaphs come from people who knew their way around words while they were alive. Dorothy Parker is a true testament to that.

The American poet and writer was one of the founders of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers, and literary critics who got together at the Algonquin Hotel to collaborate in columns that were published across the country.

Parker was known for her witty remarks and her final words are one last joke for us: "Excuse my dust!"

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No, this is not a glitch, you’re still in the right article. This extremely long number is Pi and it is also the choice of words, or number better, of Ludolph van Ceulen.

The German-Dutch mathematician was the first person to calculate the numerical value of Pi to bring more precision to the constant. The result of his lifetime work is a number of 20 digits and an amazing epitaph that will stay forever with his remains.

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The Ramones made history with their music, and however tumultuous, Dee Dee Ramone’s contributions made him the legend he is still today.

His final words are just a reflection of the essence of the punk rock band and his troubled life, a final goodbye from a rebellious spirit who lived on his own terms and left an indelible mark on the history of music. But everything must come to an end and so he says: "OK… I gotta go now."

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Hollywood can turn your life straight upside down, but no one ever said the road is any easy. Bette Davis is not the exception, but her resilience and determination brought overwhelming success as a result.

Now, her epitaph "She did it the hard way" is proof of the numerous challenges she had to overcome, but is a reminder of what can be achieved if one is driven by tenacity.

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Talk about a wordplay, right? Is this epitaph inviting us to step into the afterlife? Is it an opening credit to an eerie movie?

Considering it is Jack Lemmon’s epitaph, a beloved actor, one can easily imagine it reflects his connection to his craft. As short as "in" can be, it makes us think of a person who is always "in the scene" and never truly out of the spotlight. Short, powerful, and a great way to be remembered, don’t you think?

Credit: Kelly Sikkema

Death on its own is a sad, tragic business for everyone. So we do need someone to be brave enough to toy with it and make irreverent remarks on its consequences.

Spike Milligan, a legendary Irish comedian and writer took that job seriously and chose an epitaph that can make anyone laugh in the face of such adversity. "I told you I was sick" is a genius reminder of his legacy. And a reminder to pay attention to our loved ones’ warnings, right?

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We couldn’t end this article without mentioning what is probably one of the most famous epitaphs in the world. None other than the great Charles Bukowski is to thank for it.

"Don’t try" is actually a phrase he used to describe his writing. According to him, that was the key to good writing, which can’t be forced. But as an epitaph, it captures the essence and philosophy of his views and contributions. And in this context, it is a reminder that we are all going the same way, there’s nothing we can’t do about it so we might as well live today!

DESIGN ICONS

10 Cars That Redefined The Automotive Industry

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Since the dawn of the automobile, engineers have engaged in fierce competition to innovate and refine their designs. While we've come a long way since the revolutionary Ford Model T, it feels like there is always more room for improvement.

From sleek aerodynamics to groundbreaking innovations in safety, these 10 car designs have left an indelible mark on automotive history, influencing generations of vehicles to come.

Credit: Matthew Lancaster

Henry Ford's introduction of the assembly line in 1913 revolutionized car manufacturing, making the Model T - which was actually first commercialized a few years before - the first affordable car for the masses. Standardized parts and efficient production methods meant that they were easy to both manufacture and maintain, democratizing automobile ownership forever.

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The Beetle's compact yet distinctive design made it an instant global phenomenon since its introduction in 1938. With its air-cooled engine in the rear and quirky rounded shape, it became a symbol of affordability and reliability, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. Remarkably, Ferdinand Porsche was the lead engineer behind the design team.

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Combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, the Prius was the first car to bring hybrid technology to the mainstream. With its futuristic design and exceptional fuel efficiency, it quickly became one of the most successful cars in the market. Its sleek shape was designed with aerodynamics in mind, reducing drag and making it extremely economical.

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Tesla's Model S successfully challenged conventional notions about electric vehicles by offering a car that had both an attractive design and cutting-edge technology. Its long-range capabilities and minimalist interior set a new benchmark for electric cars, becoming the top-selling model in its category almost overnight. Newer models also feature a limited autopilot function that includes adaptive cruise control, and semi-autonomous parking capabilities.

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The GT40's aerodynamic design and powerful engine made it a force to be reckoned with on the race track. Designed and built exclusively to compete at LeMans, it put Ford on the map for sports car enthusiasts after it managed to win the prestigious race from 1960 to 1965. Today, it is still remembered as an extraordinary feat of engineering and competitive spirit.

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The Cherokee's rugged yet versatile design revolutionized the automobile market upon its debut in 1974. Partly inspired by the Wagoneer, they were first marketed as "sportwagons," and became the precursors to the modern SUVs (sport utility vehicles). Combining practicality with adventure, these sturdy cars stood the test of time and are still beloved by many.

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The Caravan's innovative design introduced the minivan concept to the masses in 1984. With its spacious interior, sliding doors, and family-friendly features, it quickly became a staple of suburban life, reshaping the way families traveled and inspiring a new generation of practical vehicles. Though the model was discontinued in 2020, it is still remembered fondly by those who were fortunate to own one.

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The Mustang's unique mix of aggressive styling and affordable price tag made it an instant classic upon its debut in 1964. Over a million units were sold within the first two years of its launch, and it is considered a pioneer of the "pony car" segment, a category that includes cars like the Plymouth Barracuda and the Mercury Cougar. With its long hood, short deck proportions, and customizable options, the Ford Mustang still retains its original charm.

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The DS stunned the automotive world with its avant-garde design and groundbreaking technology upon its debut in 1955. With its hydropneumatic suspension, state-of-the-art braking systems, and futuristic interior, it epitomizes the French automotive ingenuity of the time. Even a French philosopher, Roland Barthes, commented that the car looked as if it had "fallen from the sky."

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The 911's timeless design and rear-engine layout have defined Porsche's identity for over half a century. With its iconic silhouette, responsive handling, and relentless performance, it continued to set the standard for sports cars through many of its design iterations. Surprisingly for its popularity, the Porsche 911 is manufactured only in a Stuttgart, Germany factory, where roughly 110 cars are made per day.