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For Ten Years, I’ve Been Collecting Quotes From Strangers; Here Are 30 Of The Most Profound Ones
I started collecting handwritten quotes from strangers while solo traveling because I always felt more at ease connecting with people abroad and seeing the little pieces of wisdom they carried. I asked them, "What would your famous last words be?"—and this was the result.
Over 10 years, these quotes have turned into something much bigger: a collection of amazing words and stories that I finally put together into a book called Last Words for the Road. I made two editions—a pocket version (90 pages) and a premium version (360 pages). They’re filled with the best quotes, plus essays and illustrations I’ve added along the way.
I’m still collecting quotes now—people even send them to me through a Google form! This whole project has been such a personal journey, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
So, what famous last words would you leave me?
More info: Instagram | amazon.com
Just a preview of the last version of the book - It took 10 years to make, but I never gave up! And the picture on the right, where I played around with printing quotes on tiles. What do you think?
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#1
"We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are."
Collected in Indonesia.
When I reflect on this journey, I realize how much my own background shaped the way I approach connection. I grew up shy, afraid of rejection, and spent a long time believing I wasn’t the kind of person who could navigate the world alone. But at 18, I decided to take a daring step toward independence, moved out of my parents’ place, and started working hard on myself and on my career. It was during this time that I began to understand the value of what I now call “serendipitous courage”—the willingness to step into the unknown and trust that something beautiful will come from it.
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#2
"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel."
Collected in Indonesia.
#3
"When in doubt, smile and nod."
Collected in Spain.
Russell Rieckenberg 1 day ago
And you will end up wearing a puffy shirt on television. "I don't wanna be a pirate."
As someone who worked in tourism for many years, volunteered in hostels, and now became a hostel manager, I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic that can happen when people open themselves up to strangers. My work and travels have taught me that vulnerability doesn’t weaken us—it connects us. It’s this understanding that I bring to every page of my book, Last Words for the Road.
Collecting quotes over the years has profoundly changed the way I see people and the world. At first, I thought the quotes were just bits of wisdom—a way to hold onto something meaningful. But as the collection grew, I realized it was more than that. Each quote carried a story, a glimpse into someone’s life, and a reminder that we all have something valuable to share. It shifted my perspective from seeing people as strangers to seeing them as potential teachers, each with their own unique lesson to offer.
#4
"It´ll all be a memory one day."
(This was written on a rolling cigarette paper)
Collected in Spain.
#5
"Cool things to believe in: magic, people + yourself."
Collected in Ireland.
One of the most unforgettable quotes I’ve received came from a retired war veteran I met while volunteering in Greece, Gary. He told me, “The older I get, the smarter my father gets.” It struck me deeply—not just because of the humor, but because of the layers of meaning in that statement. It’s a reflection of growth, humility, and the ever-changing way we understand the wisdom of those who tried their best in raising us.
#6
"The joy is in the journey... Destination is a metaphor!"
Collected in Spain.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
Yes!! The excitement and the build up make the actual event or destination feel almost as if it's a disappointment at times. ..
#7
"For better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy, nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
Collected in Romania.
Michelle C 20 hours ago
This is from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech on daring greatly and true strength.
Now that people send me quotes online, it feels like a natural evolution of the project. In-person encounters have a raw, unfiltered energy—there’s the spontaneity of the moment and the physicality of receiving a handwritten note. Online submissions, on the other hand, bring a different kind of intimacy. People take the time to reflect, to choose their words carefully, and to share pieces of their lives with a stranger they may never meet. It’s a reminder of how universal the need for connection is, whether in person or through a screen.
#8
"Going with the flow, living in the flow."
Collected in South Korea.
#9
"Put out what you want back."
Collected in the Canary Islands.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
Every time I see the words "Canary Islands" I hear it said in professor slughorn's voice
To anyone reading this, I want to say: never underestimate the power of small moments or the potential of serendipitous courage. Whether it’s asking for a quote or striking up a conversation with someone new, these tiny acts can ripple out in ways you can’t imagine. They can change your day—or even your life. I’m still collecting quotes for the next edition of Last Words for the Road, and I’d be honored if you shared yours. Together, we can create a tapestry of wisdom that inspires others to embrace the beauty of connection.
#10
"Always leave things better than you found them."
Collected in Indonesia.
#11
"Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots."
Collected in Belgium.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
Do you ever think maybe the core of the earth is just a giant nucleus of tree roots?
#12
"To be alone is not loneliness, the trips you take alone have their own secrets."
Collected in Spain.
#13
"You do you!"
Collected in Spain.
#14
"Every achievement comes with the decision to try. And along the way with perseverance to keep going."
Collected in Portugal.
#15
"What you bring in your backpack, when you travel, is the weight of your fears."
Collected in Spain (Camino De Santiago).
#16
"Money is an illusion... The richest men in the world are the ones who’ve seen it."
Collected in Spain.
#17
"Like all great travelers, I see more than I remember and remember more than I see."
Collected in India.
Penguin Panda Pop 11 hours ago
I'm not entirely convinced that this means anything at all, but that's just me being all negative and shiz.
#18
"What is it you plan to do with your one wild precious life?"
Collected in Belgium.
#19
"Never try, never know; everything is possible, but not so easy, so take it easy."
Collected in Indonesia.
#20
"4 rules of life: steal, cheat, lie, drink."
Steal: Steal time to help others.
Cheat: Cheat death by living life to the fullest.
Lie: Lie down next to the ones you love. Drink: Drink in the moments that take your breath away.
Collected in Spain.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
I'm adopting this one as my next toast for all the parties I go to in my imagination
#21
"No matter wherever you are in life, you always have the power to move in the directions you wish to be. Never give up on a dream."
Collected in Indonesia.
#22
"The older I get, the smarter my father gets."
Collected in Greece.
#23
"Donde duele, inspira; great people make you achieve greatness."
(translated) "Where it hurts, it inspires."
Collected in Greece.
#24
Life’s beautiful. Keep it simple! Love’s everywhere. Don’t be shy, talk and say what you feel! Say nice things to others. Live life"
Collected in Portugal.
#25
"To travel alone, is to let the world tell you what to do."
Collected in Spain.
#26
"To old friends, new friends and forever friends."
Collected in Spain.
#27
"Life is a work of art, so seek the inspiration to create and make it matter!"
Collected in Belgium.
#28
"Truth is nothing. What you believe to be true is everything."
Collected in Indonesia.
#29
"We all share one hole, one whole."
Collected in Australia.
#30
"Live! Rest when you need, but you can sleep when you die."
Collected in Portugal.
A picture of me sharing some of the stories about the people that left me their quotes, during at Travel Story Telling Festival in Belgium
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What do you think ?
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
This is just SO COOL!!!! I love books like this. Reminds me of Post Secret (book of secrets people sent the author on postcards) there's another one called Other People's Love Letters that I love to read and reread. I'm going to have to add this to my book collection I think this is the coolest thing I've seen on Bored Panda in awhile
Hassel Davidhoff 23 minutes ago
I love Post Secret too! Made me realize how truly emo my punk a**e is, lol.
Load More Replies...
Nice Beast Ludo 1 day ago
This is just SO COOL!!!! I love books like this. Reminds me of Post Secret (book of secrets people sent the author on postcards) there's another one called Other People's Love Letters that I love to read and reread. I'm going to have to add this to my book collection I think this is the coolest thing I've seen on Bored Panda in awhile
Hassel Davidhoff 23 minutes ago
I love Post Secret too! Made me realize how truly emo my punk a**e is, lol.
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