Artists & Writers · 20th Century
Aldous Huxley’s Last Words
“LSD, 100 micrograms I.M.”— Aldous Huxley, November 22, 1963
Who Was Aldous Huxley?
Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World, the dystopian novel that foresaw genetic engineering, consumerism, and mood-altering drugs. His later work explored mysticism and psychedelic experience.
The Final Moments
Unable to speak from cancer, Huxley wrote these words on a slip of paper to his wife Laura, requesting LSD to ease his death. She administered it. He died the same day as JFK's assassination and C.S. Lewis's death.
Are These Words Verified?
Laura Huxley documented the handwritten request in her memoir and preserved the actual note. As his wife and caregiver present at his death, her firsthand account is considered highly reliable by biographers.
Sources
- firsthand Laura Huxley, This Timeless Moment: A Personal View of Aldous Huxley
- archive Handwritten note preserved by Laura Huxley
- biography Sybille Bedford, Aldous Huxley: A Biography
Legacy
Brave New World has proven more prescient than 1984 in many ways, predicting a society controlled by pleasure rather than pain. Huxley's death on LSD is one of the most remarkable death stories in literary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Aldous Huxley’s last words?
“LSD, 100 micrograms I.M.”
How did Aldous Huxley die?
Aldous Huxley died on November 22, 1963 at the age of 69. Cause of death: Laryngeal cancer.
Were Aldous Huxley’s last words documented?
Laura Huxley documented the handwritten request in her memoir and preserved the actual note. As his wife and caregiver present at his death, her firsthand account is considered highly reliable by biographers.
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