Scott Adams left final message revealing how he found 'new meaning' before his death

PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA: A final written message by 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams was released to the public on Tuesday, Jan 13, following his death.

Adams, who died at the age of 68 after battling cancer, wrote the message before his passing. In it, he addressed readers directly and spoke about a late-life embrace of Christianity. 

In the message, Adams also spoke about life after divorce, his legacy and learnings.

Reflections on life and work

In the message, Scott Adams looked back on his life and career, describing it as deeply fulfilling despite personal setbacks.

Opening up on embracing Christianity, he wrote, “The part about me not being a believer should be quickly resolved if I wake up in heaven. I won’t need any more convincing than that. And I hope I am still qualified for entry.”

He encouraged those who followed his work to carry forward what he described as its core purpose.

“I had an amazing life. I gave it everything I had,” Adams wrote. “If you got any benefits from my work, I’m asking you to pay it forward as best you can. That is the legacy I want. Be useful. And please know I loved you all to the end.”

Adams referenced major turning points in his personal life, including changes that followed his divorce, which he said pushed him to search for renewed meaning.

"Once the marriage unwound, I needed a new focus. A new meaning. And so I donated myself to the world," Adams wrote.

He also highlighted the impact of his books, including 'Win Bigly', and his podcast, 'Coffee With Scott Adams', which he said was devoted to helping people think more clearly and productively about the world.

A career marked by influence and controversy

Adams created 'Dilbert' in 1989, and the comic strip became a cultural fixture for its satire on corporate life.

In 2023, Adams faced intense backlash after remarks he made during a livestream in which he referred to Black Americans as a “hate group” while reacting to polling data.

He later said the comments were exaggerated and intended as hyperbole and stated that he did not support racism.

Following the controversy, multiple newspapers dropped 'Dilbert' from publication, publishers canceled planned projects and his business relationships were severed.

After his death, several outlets referred to Adams as “controversial” or “disgraced” in their coverage.

On Jan 13, his ex-wife, Shelly Miles, broke down reading the last message he had written on Jan 1, which he wanted to share with his audience after his death.

Conservative circles grieve loss

A wave of grief struck conservative circles after Adams' death, with many prominent names expressing grief.

President Trump paid tribute to the 'Dilbert' creator praising him for his loyalty and called him a “fantastic guy” 

Vice President JD Vance described him as a “great ally” of President Donald Trump and the administration, while commentator Matt Walsh said Adams faced death with “clarity, courage, and honesty.”

In his final months, he said he suffered from complications, including paralysis and heart failure.

This came after Adams publicly disclosed that he had prostate cancer and later confirmed the illness was terminal.