这一集是很特殊的一集,我们发起了一个“给自己写悼词”的活动,参与活动的朋友们亲笔写了自己的悼词并亲自朗读,每个参与者的性格和对人生的理解都不一样,从每个朋友的悼词里,你看出什么样的差异了呢?我们在这里附上了每个参与者悼词的文稿,字里行间,你会读出怎样的心绪?
节目的最后,我们附上了Sippy翻唱的歌曲“both sides now”,可能正如歌词所写:
现在我也要看生活的两面
无论胜利还是失败 仔细思量
忽然想起它曾给我的美好幻想
我是否从来没有懂得过它
This episode is a special one — we launched an activity called “Writing Your Own Eulogy.” Participants wrote and read their own eulogies aloud. Each person brought their unique personality and perspective on life into their writing. What differences can you see between them?
We’ve included the full text of each eulogy here. As you read between the lines, what emotions do you pick up on?
To close the episode, we’ve added a cover of the song “Both Sides Now” by Sippy — perhaps, just as the lyrics say…
I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
It's life’s illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all
Mark’s eulogy
I had always wished that I would live forever. But today, as you gather here, a poignant testament to the life I cherished, my wish, in its most literal sense, remains a sweet, unfulfilled dream. And so, I offer these words, this eulogy, as another heartfelt attempt to weave myself into the tapestry of your memories, hoping to live a little longer in the echoes of your hearts.
I wanted to live forever, because I was blessed with a husband whose love was a steadfast anchor in the unpredictable seas of life. He patiently navigated the sometimes turbulent waters of my stubbornness and the sharp edges of my perfectionism. Hand in hand, we explored the culinary world, from the gleaming lights of Michelin stars to the hidden gems of hole-in-the-wall eateries. He was my unwavering protector on every adventure, both on well-trodden paths and the thrilling detours of life. He was, quite simply, the very breath of my love. So, with a heart overflowing with him, tell me, why would I willingly step into another world where his light doesn't shine?
I wanted to live forever, because my life was illuminated by the radiant presence of four extraordinary children. Marcella, my firstborn, was the embodiment of the princess I held within, her spirited nature, a delightful echo of my own, proving that indeed, what goes around, comes around. Alex, my sunshine boy, was a constant reminder of the simple, profound joy of each passing day, a testament to a life lived fully and gratefully. Marco, with his boundless curiosity, greeted the world with a question, his first complete sentence a charmingly inquisitive, 'What is this?' And so, I stand here, on the precipice of the great 'what is life?', feeling I've caught a fleeting glimpse of its beautiful complexity today. And then there's my youngest, my precious Matteo. Though his world unfolded along a unique spectrum, he gifted me the most profound truth: LOVE, in its purest form, is the only compass we truly need. So, my loves, my reasons for being, tell me, how could I embrace a world that doesn't hold the warmth of your embrace?
I wanted to live forever, because I was cradled by the unwavering love and support of two remarkable parents. How could the memory fade of those lean times, when a single egg, was carefully divided between my brother and me, while Mom, with selfless love, went without? How could I ever forget the years Dad spent toiling alone in the distant City of New York, his sacrifices woven into every dollar sent home, a testament to his unwavering commitment? So, my guiding stars, tell me, how could I journey to a new realm without the comforting light of your love?
I wanted to live forever, because my life was enriched by a constellation of incredible friends, each one a keeper of cherished memories. Martinez, can you still feel the youthful abandon of that first, slightly mortifying, face-plant between your enormous breasts? Glenn and Pete, do you still roar with laughter remembering the nail-biting games that forged a Yankees Dynasty and heralded a Giants Era? Julio, does the memory still make you chuckle, the heroic journey of navigating my very intoxicated self home after a full night of bar hopping? And Zerlina, my soul sister, can you still feel the echoes of all the laughter that dried our teenage tears and the tears that punctuated our deepest joys? And to all of you gathered here today, as you now turn the pages of our shared history in your minds, each memory a precious gem, tell me, how could I willingly leave behind the radiant warmth of your camaraderie?
My dearest husband, my vibrant children, my steadfast parents, my cherished friends, please, don't draw too close today, for I can no longer reach out to brush away the tears that may trace paths down your faces. Instead, I ask you to be strong, not just in my memory, but for yourselves. For you are the strong, resilient bows, and I, in spirit, will be the living arrow, launched forth from your love, soaring through time, forever alive in the stories you tell and the love you carry in your hearts.
Eleven’s Eulogy:
Dear all, at long last, I’ve reached a state of serenity toward death. Well, given the fact that I’m already laid out here, "serenity" seems rather... situationally appropriate, doesn’t it?
If you’ve still bothered to show up here and endure my final ramblings, you’re undoubtedly my ride-or-dies. Thanks for being here to see me off on this last part of the journey.
Was my life long or short? It is hard to say. I came, I glanced, and now—permission granted or not—I’ll be taking my exit.
All things considered, I’m... content. Felt like I checked off most items on the bucket list. Life being what it is—80% mess, 20% magic—whatever’s left undone can stay that way.
I thought I’d cling to regrets, to people, to unfinished business. But hey, horizontal status achieved. Earthly dramas? No longer my circus, and definitely, not my monkeys.
My share of worries has dissolved. As for yours, my dear friends, sorry, but I’m officially clocked out.
Rick’s eulogy
Hey, everyone. It’s strange picturing all of you here, gathered to say goodbye to me.
I'm so grateful you came though. It means the world to me to think that I matter to you. I wanted to write this myself. Talk to you one last time and share what's in my heart before I go.
I've always thought life is about the little things you know, not big wins or fancy stuff, but the moment best stick with you like the smell of the rain on a summer evening, or the way of good laugh with your friends. I try to be someone who showed up for the people. Maybe I didn't always get it right. God knows I could be stubborn or lose my temper over dumb things like, you know, misplace the keys, but I hope you found my love.
I wish I made you feel seen whether we were family, friends or just passing through each other's life. There’s this one day I kept thinking about I was, you know, hanging around when my friends were one afternoon. We didn't say much, but it felt like we said everything. I think that's who I was, someone who found magic in those quiet in-between moments, another time. I remember staying up all night to finish tasks with my loved ones. Those messes, those giggles, they were my treasures. Hope you got some of those memories with me too.
Life through curve balls.
I have my shares of dark days. Times I've felt lost or hurt. Or like I let people down, but I kept going. Not because I was some hero, but because I believed in second chances. I learnt to forgive myself to keep my heart open, even when it's done.
If I ever helped you through a rough patch, even just by listening over a lukewarm coffee, know that you helped me, you were my acre, my reason to try it again.
Looking back, I'm proud of a few things, I suit up or what I thought it was right, even when my voice shook. I chased dreams, even the ones that slipped away and I loved with everything I had. Messy, full throttle, no holding back love.
If I can leave you with anything, it’s this: don’t wait to say I love you, hug tighter, dance in the kitchen, enjoy your life even if you're terrible at it right? Life's too short for regrets.
As I write this, I'm thinking about you all. Your faces, quirks and how you made my life brighter, and my peace, knowing we share something real, even for a moment.
I’m not gone, you know. Look for me in a way. The leaves rustle when I saw hits just right. Or when you feel a little less alone, that's me cheering you on. Live big for me, take risks, be kind, make a mess and laugh through it. Thank you for being my people. I love you more than words can hold.
Shen Lee’s eulogy
I’m gone.
Not that I’ve gone somewhere—just that I’m no longer here.
If you’re listening,
or if you just happened to stumble upon these words,
that’s okay.
I don’t really believe anyone can truly “remember” anyone for very long.
Human memory is like steam on a bathroom mirror:
at first it seems to take shape,
and then it vanishes without a trace.
The body has finally stopped its useless struggle.
The clamor of existence has faded into silence.
I’ve had good coffee,
and I’ve had coffee that was hard to swallow.
Both kept me alive.
I’ve loved others,
and I’ve hated myself.
Sometimes, both at once.
Even if everything was random, meaningless,
I still chose to wake up each day,
drink coffee,
and chat with my cat.
Sometimes I wondered,
if the world truly cared about us,
shouldn’t it have given us a sign?
But it didn’t.
And maybe that’s fair
at least we were all equally alone.
I never set out to change the world.
I didn’t even really believe I could.
But I tried not to be too cruel to the people around me.
That was one of the ways I resisted the void.
If all of this was just a random accident,
then I did my best not to make the accident worse.
That’s enough.
I was defeated by the universe,
but I won a cup of coffee.
I knew I wouldn’t be saved in this life,
but I wasn’t trying to escape it either.
I didn’t conquer nihilism.
I simply learned to live with it.
I was born ignorant, and I died without a sound.
My life had no ultimate meaning.
But like that man who keeps pushing a stone up the hill
even knowing it will roll back down
he keeps going.
So me too, tried to create value in my own way,
even if no one would remember.
He always knew the universe would never answer him,
but he asked anyway.
He didn’t pray, didn’t surrender,
just pushed the stone uphill each morning.
He knew death wouldn’t give him answers,
but he also knew that simply being alive was a form of rebellion.
Now I’m gone.
The stone is still waiting at the bottom of the hill.
But I can finally sit down and rest for a while.
I don’t need to be remembered.
The universe never knew me anyway.
I hope no one comes to my funeral,
because no one will remember what day it is.
And maybe
that’s my blessing.
Please don’t waste money on flowers.
Spend it on coffee.
At least coffee has flavor.
Linsey’s Eulogy
Good morning good afternoon or good evening everyone,
Thank you all for being here today to honor and remember Linsey who might meant so much for some of you.
Let’s skip the small talk and get right to it — let’s talk about the life summary this human wrote for herself, now lying here before you.
I am pretty sure Linsey had made some contributions to the lives of others and to society, I mean, a little. After all, With great power comes great responsibility. She is pretty useless in many ways. She might have done something that meant something to some human beings, and I am pretty sure trauma is also something she brought to certain people. Don’t expect her to apologize, what’s done is done, she’s dead and you’re still alive, what do you expect?
Linsey barely felt loved in her life, like every traditional brainwashed girls in this village, just look around, she’s only loved by people who are here now, not too many, she’s right about that. So that’s why she started to pursue something else in her life, well look at the size of the funeral, it’s obviously not money. So what linsey was trying to get out of her life? Well, honestly, she had no clue. She only wanted to enjoy good food, talk to good people, and sleep a lot, which means she got what she wished for now. Living like a civilized human, and not restricted by too many rules, she made it work somehow, it could be called freedom in a sense.
One of the favorite memories of linsey is realizing that life sucks, but she still chose to live it. I mean, there are too many moments that she wanted to give up, but it’s the pain that she wanted to end, not the life. I remember that one morning, she arrived the top of the mountain, watching the similar sunrise she had watched for too many times, she chose to close her eyes and feel the warmth touching her face. She always chose different ways to live and love the meaningless and boring life.
Losing Linsey is not a big deal, like everyone in this world, she lived and she died. I certainly hope people who heard about her passing could just move on and live their own lives. It could be nice that you could think of her from time to time, I mean, hey, if you ever feel like thinking of her, scroll through her Douyin account while it’s still up — those filters did her justice.
Thank you, Linsey, for everything. You will always be loved by someone hated by someone, and you will be forgotten eventually, and hope you could become a stone as you wish in your next life.