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 calledLast 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, whatfamous last words would you leave me?More info:Instagram|amazon.comJust 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?This post may includeaffiliate links.

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 calledLast 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, whatfamous 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?

This post may includeaffiliate links.

“We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.“Collected in Indonesia.

Handwritten quote on a torn paper: “We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are."

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.

“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.

Handwritten quote about feelings by Maya Angelou on a white card, emphasizing memorable emotions.

“When in doubt, smile and nod.“Collected in Spain.

Handwritten quote on paper: “When in doubt, smile and nod.” Collected from strangers over 10 years.

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.

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.

“To be alone is not loneliness, the trips you take alone have their own secrets.“Collected in Spain.

Handwritten quote on a paper about solitude and secrets from strangers.

“It´ll all be a memory one day."(This was written on a rolling cigarette paper)Collected in Spain.

Handwritten quote by a stranger, stating, “It’ll all be a memory one day,” on a textured background.

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.

“Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots.“Collected in Belgium.

Handwritten quote by Rumi about searching, illustrated with branches and roots, collected from strangers over 10 years.

“Always leave things better than you found them.“Collected in Indonesia.

Handwritten quote on paper: “Always leave things better than you found them” by George Arnold.

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.

“Cool things to believe in: magic, people + yourself.“Collected in Ireland.

Handwritten note with thought-provoking quote, advocating belief in magic, people, and yourself.

Handwritten thought-provoking quote on a torn piece of paper from a collection of stranger’s quotes over 10 years.

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 ofLast 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.

“Going with the flow, living in the flow.“Collected in South Korea.

Handwritten quote card with “Going with the flow, living in the flow” in English and Chinese characters.

“Put out what you want back.“Collected in the Canary Islands.

Handwritten quote on a white paper: “Put out what you want back” from the collection of stranger quotes.

“The joy is in the journey… Destination is a metaphor!“Collected in Spain.

Handwritten quote from a stranger about finding joy in the journey, with a signature at the bottom.

“You do you!“Collected in Spain.

A handwritten note from a stranger on lined paper, reading “You do you!” with attribution.

“Every achievement comes with the decision to try. And along the way with perseverance to keep going.“Collected in Portugal.

Inspirational quote handwritten on a card about achievement, trying, and perseverance.

“What you bring in your backpack, when you travel, is the weight of your fears.“Collected in Spain (Camino De Santiago).

Handwritten quote about travel fears from strangers on lined paper.

“Money is an illusion… The richest men in the world are the ones who’ve seen it.“Collected in Spain.

Handwritten quote about wealth and illusion by Rob Hunt on lined paper.

“Never try, never know; everything is possible, but not so easy, so take it easy.“Collected in Indonesia.

Handwritten quotes on a receipt, featuring thought-provoking messages collected from strangers.

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?#

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?