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17 Unforgettable Last Words That Will Make You Want to Plan Yours

These people had it all figured out. Which ones are your favourite?

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George Orwell

“At fifty, everyone has the face he deserves.” —George Orwell, writer, on January 21, 1950 (These are the funniest quotes of all time.)


Donald O’Connor

“I’d like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get.” —Donald O’Connor, performer, on September 27, 2003


Dominique Bouhours

“I am about to—or I am going to—die. Either expression is correct.” —Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian, on May 27, 1702


Abbey Edward Paul

“I did what I could.” —Abbey Edward Paul, American writer, on March 14, 1989

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Elderly person's handsPhoto: Shutterstock

William Henry Seward

“Nothing, only ‘love one another.’” —William Henry Seward, U.S. Secretary of State (1861-1869), when asked if he had any last words, on October 10, 1872

Here are 6 Ways to Lead a Happier Life.


Maude Adams

“Life is still full of joy. Thumbs up for joy and adventure.” —Maude Adams, actress, on July 17, 1953


Moe Berg

“How did the Mets do today?” —Morris (Moe) Berg, baseball player, on May 29, 1972


William Saroyan

“Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. What now?” —William Saroyan, American novelist, on May 18, 1981

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Mona Lisa painting at the LouvrePhoto: muratart/Shutterstock

Leonardo da Vinci

“I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” —Leonardo da Vinci, artist, on May 2, 1519

Here’s expert advice on how to find forgiveness and begin healing.


Raphael

“Happy.” —Raphael, Italian artist, on April 6, 1520


Vic Morrow

“I should have asked for a stunt double!” —Vic Morrow, American actor, on July 23, 1982


Bat Masterson

“We all get the same amount of ice. The rich get it in the summer. The poor get it in the winter.” —Bat Masterson, gunfighter, on October 25, 1921

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Leonard Nimoy tributePhoto: Dan Holm/Shutterstock

Leonard Nimoy

“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP [live long and prosper].” —Leonard Nimoy, actor, in his final tweet in 2015


 Louis XVIII

“A King should die standing.” —Louis XVIII, King of France, on September 16, 1824


Billie Holiday

“Don’t be in such a hurry.” —Billie Holiday, musical artist, on July 17, 1959


Ian Fleming

“I am sorry to trouble you chaps. I don’t know how you get along so fast with the traffic on the roads these days.” —Ian Fleming, English author, to ambulance drivers in Canterbury, Kent, England on August 11, 1964 (We’ve ranked every James Bond movie from worst to best.)


W.C. Fields

“I’m looking for loopholes.” —W.C. Fields, comedian, when asked why he was reading the Bible on his deathbed on December 25, 1946

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Originally Published on Reader's Digest