Derived from the Greek word meaning “praise,” a eulogy is a speech or writing that honors and celebrates the life of someone who has recently passed away. Eulogies are often delivered at funerals or memorial services, where they serve as an opportunity to reflect on the life, character, and impact of the deceased. While traditionally considered a form of epideictic rhetoric, focused on praise and reflection, eulogies can also have a deliberative function, inspiring listeners to carry forward the values and virtues of the person being commemorated.
The Essence of a Eulogy
A eulogy goes beyond a simple recounting of dates and events in a person’s life. It seeks to capture the spirit of the individual—their joys, challenges, relationships, and unique contributions to the world. It is an intimate portrayal that honors the complexity of a human life while bringing comfort to those who mourn.
As former President Barack Obama noted during his eulogy for Nelson Mandela: “It is hard to eulogize any man–to capture in words, not just the facts and the dates that make a life, but the essential truth of a person: their private joys and sorrows, the quiet moments and unique qualities that illuminate someone’s soul.”
Eulogies, like this one, remind us that a person’s legacy is not solely defined by their public achievements but by their character and the ways they touched others’ lives.
Examples of Memorable Eulogies
Ted Kennedy’s Eulogy for His Brother, Robert Kennedy (1968)
In his heartfelt tribute to his brother, Edward Kennedy chose not to idealize Robert but to remember him as he was: a man of integrity and compassion. His words emphasized Robert’s humanity and his unwavering commitment to justice: “My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it.”
This eulogy serves as a poignant example of how to honor a loved one without embellishment, focusing instead on the virtues and values that defined their life.
Steve Jobs’ Eulogy for His Adoptive Father, Paul Jobs (2011)
In a deeply personal eulogy, Steve Jobs remembered his adoptive father not for fame or fortune, but for his dedication and craftsmanship. He described how Paul Jobs taught him to pay attention to details, even those that no one else would see, like the back of a cabinet. Jobs said: “He loved doing things right. He even cared about the parts you couldn’t see.”
This example underscores the idea that a eulogy need not focus on grand accomplishments but can instead highlight the small, meaningful lessons and habits that reveal a person’s character.
Barack Obama’s Eulogy for John Lewis (2020)
In his tribute to civil rights icon John Lewis, Obama not only reflected on Lewis’s courage and moral clarity but also urged listeners to continue his fight for justice: “He knew that change could not wait for some other person or some other time; he knew that each of us has the power to make the world better.”
This eulogy demonstrates how such speeches can inspire action, encouraging others to carry forward the legacy of the deceased.
The Purpose and Power of a Eulogy
Eulogies are both a celebration and a farewell. They offer a chance to honor the deceased while helping the living process their grief. By sharing stories, values, and lessons, eulogies connect us with the enduring impact of a life well-lived.
At their best, eulogies transcend sorrow and inspire hope. They remind us of our shared humanity and encourage us to live with purpose, compassion, and gratitude. Whether delivered with solemnity, humor, or a mix of both, a eulogy is a profound way to say goodbye while ensuring the memory of a loved one lives on.
