The passing of Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and DEM Party Istanbul MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder has caused deep sorrow in Türkiye. While Önder’s early loss has left his loved ones in mourning, the famous name’s past speeches and statements have once again become trending topics on social media. In particular, his speech on a television program on the theme of “good people die early” garnered widespread attention after his passing.
Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who had a heart attack on April 15 and was treated in intensive care for 18 days, died of multiple organ failure on May 3. Following his death, a speech Önder made on a television program he attended years ago titled “good people die early” had a wide impact on social media.
In this speech, Önder stated that he thought the saying “good people die young” had a scientific basis. Önder defined the concept of goodness as an action towards society and considered running to the troubles of others, being in harmony with them and using the resources for others within this concept.
He said, “These kind of bloody-hearted people (the word kani is important here; it means rich) have abundance inside them. However, he stated that unfortunately these good and fruitful people pass away early. He stated that the heart can bear the burden of one or two people, but when it also carries the troubles of others, this burden becomes heavy and the heart cannot bear this weight.
Önder's speech was widely shared and commented on on social media after his death. Many people expressed how true Önder's words were and how he fit this description. It was emphasized that Önder was a person who cared about the troubles of others and was sensitive to social problems throughout his life.
This speech by Önder was evaluated not only as a consolation or explanation, but also as a philosophy of life. It was commented that kindness, sacrifice and concern for the troubles of others can wear a person out, but can also form the basis of a meaningful life. These words of Önder were met with great emotion by his fans and followers and were frequently included in the posts made in his memory.
