As humans, our words carry so much weight. And sometimes, the final words of a person before they depart from this world can resonate with us forever. Some of the most revered and well-remembered speeches in history are those made by individuals at the end of their lives or final moments in office. Here, we examine some of these historic farewell speeches and the profound messages they leave behind.

George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) 🇺🇸🗽📜

In his Farewell Address, George Washington stressed the importance of unity and neutrality in foreign affairs. He also warned against the formation of political parties and encouraged Americans to prioritize the interests of their country over personal interests.

⭐ Highlight: “The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.”

Portrait of George Washington in military uniform standing in the Revolutionary War

Lou Gehrig’s Farewell Speech (1939) ⚾️👨🏻‍🦱💬

Lou Gehrig, legendary New York Yankee, gave his farewell speech after being diagnosed with ALS (now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease). Despite his own personal struggle, he spoke about being the luckiest man on the face of the earth due to the support and love of his family, friends, and fans.

⭐ Highlight: “For the past two weeks you’ve been reading about a bad break. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Lou Gehrig standing in front of microphones giving his farewell speech

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (1961) 🇺🇸🗽💬

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech not only addressed the nation, but the whole world, urging cooperation, unity, and freedom. He also made one of his most famous declarations: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

⭐ Highlight: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

John F. Kennedy delivering his inaugural address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building

Nelson Mandela’s Presidential Inaugural Address (1994) 🇿🇦🗣📜

Nelson Mandela’s inaugural address captured the spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness, and hope for a new beginning in South Africa after the atrocities of apartheid. He emphasized the importance of equality for all races, saying: “We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans will be able to walk tall, without fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”

⭐ Highlight: “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.”

Nelson Mandela delivering his inaugural address in Pretoria, South Africa

Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Address (2005) 🍎📱💬

In his speech, Steve Jobs shared his journey of success and failure, urging the graduates to never give up on their passions. He stated: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

⭐ Highlight: “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Steve Jobs giving his commencement speech at Stanford University

In conclusion 🎉💬📜

These speeches are just a few examples of how words can inspire and change the world. They serve as a reminder that the power of language is not just in its creation, but also in its ability to leave a lasting mark on the fabric of history. May these words continue to inspire us and future generations for years to come.

A collage of images of all the speakers in their respective speeches