Interesting Word - Famous last words - literally - Podcast

Famous last words is an idiom that's used when someone makes a definite statement which is shown very soon, and in an embarrassing way, to be wrong. But in this case I mean it more literally.

Towards the end of his life, Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, wrote this letter:-

"Dear Scouts,

If you have ever seen the play 'Peter Pan' you will remember how the pirate chief was always making his dying speech because he was afraid that, when the time came for him to die, he might not have time to get it off his chest. It is much the same with me, and so, although I am not at this moment dying, I shall be doing so one of these days and I want to send you a parting word of goodbye.

“Remember, it is the last time you will ever hear from me, so think it over.

“I have had a most happy life and I want each one of you to have a happy life too.

“I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and enjoy life. Happiness does not come from being rich, nor merely being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy, so that you can be useful and so you can enjoy life when you are a man.

“Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one.

“But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. 'Be Prepared' in this way, to live happy and to die happy - stick to your Scout Promise always - even after you have ceased to be a boy - and God help you to do it.

Your friend,

Robert Baden-Powell"

Listen Here