“I encourage you: All compounded things are subject to vanish. Strive with earnestness.”
Siddhartha Gautama known as the Buddha (awakened one) was a religious teacher and founder of the Buddhist religion. This is possibly a real portrait of him, the portly figure many people are familiar with is not the historical person, but a Buddha who is expected to come next.
“To the mightiest”
Last words of the Ancient Greek military conqueror, when asked which of his generals his vast empire should go to.
“Now all is over – let the piper play – Ha til mi tulidh.” (We return no more.)
Last words of outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor, who died at his home from illness brought on by old age and a harsh winter.
“Ah, well, I suppose it had to come to this. Such is life.”
Bushranger and outlaw reputedly speaking these words before being executed by hanging, this photo was taken a day before his death, at the age of 25.
“Tell my mother I died for my country.”
The assassin of Abraham Lincoln, whispered these final words after being fatally shot in the neck.
“That picture is awful dusty.”
Notorious bank robber and outlaw, at his home and unarmed examining a picture on the wall. He was betrayed and killed by Robert Ford with a gunshot to the back of the head.
“Who is it? Who is it?”
Outlaw and gunfighter, spoken after entering a dark bedroom. He was ambushed and shot in the chest by Sheriff Pat Garrett. Billy the Kid was aged 21 at the time of his death.
“MY JESUS MERCY”
Mob boss during the great depression, this is the inscription on his tombstone. He died at home from heart failure surrounded by his family, aged 48.
“Mother, I’m going to get my things and get out of this house. Father hates me and I’m never coming back.”
Last words of the singer and songwriter, spoken just moments before being fatally shot in the heart by his father.
“It’s better to burn out than to fade away.”
Quoting Neil Young lyrics in his suicide note. The musician and Nirvana front man died from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head, his body was found three days later. Kurt Cobain was aged 27 at the time of his death.
