Cemetery of Negativism: Say Goodbye to Bad Vibes

What if I tell you that today’s feature is about a cemetery, would you still dare to read this post or maybe quickly close this blog’s window and say, “Ugh, don’t get me bored with some of your just-another-scare-me-to-death stories again.”

Contrary to your expectations, this is not an article featuring those top scary stories that usually keep you up all night that even opening your fridge door can bring you some cold sweat and shivers, thinking that there might be some Frankenstein monster thriving inside.

Cemeteries are probably one of the most rarely visited spots on earth. But there’s this cemetery in Camp John Hay in Baguio City, Philippines that will or might change your way of thinking about graveyards. This is called the Cemetery of Negativism. 

The Cemetery of Negativism is not really a burial place for people. It was actually a burial ground for all the negative thoughts like those that might be killing you over the years.  I know that literally burying a ‘negative thought’ can be impossible; but psychologically it has the benefit of letting it go forever.

Without doing any research before getting to this place, to me, this appeared to be more like a dog graveyard. Well, people might be thinking the same thing at first too.

As a matter of fact, even children can appreciate this without even realizing that this place is tagged as 'cemetery'. Instead of seeing dirty old, cracking tombs, you can see funny-looking statues on top of each small tombs. These peculiar yet amusing characters can remind you about a Cartoon Network program or some familiar jolly comic strips. This place is really full of profound humor and cleverness.

Let’s take a look at some epitaphs on the tombs. Think deeper and start analyzing its thought and see how this can tickle your funny bone; otherwise, ignite a little bit of guilt.

I. Wanna Die, Born on a blue day and stayed that way

Nott Mey Jobb

Lettuce Wayfor D'Boss, Born 5 August 1883, Died Waiting 1 June 1903

U Woodnunt Likit, Conceived 12 November 1904, Done Away with 29 February 1905

I-Thought Uwood Doit, Conceived - Fall 1896, Didnt Make it - Autumn 1897 

Watz Init Formi, Born Short, Lived Long, Died in Debt

Kant B. Done, (Born) 2 January 1904, (Died) 1 January 1904, Died before he started

This old guy welcomes you to the Cemetery of Negativism

“Negativism is man’s greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, his heaviest burden,”

This are the first but most striking words that you can read on the marker at the entrance of the cemetery.

In the early 1980’s, the base’s commanding general, John Hightower leaded the idea of putting up this small but symbolic site on the side of one of the hills at Camp John Hay. He believed that negative thought produces of course negative effects like being less productive and mediocrity. So he collected all the soldiers at the camp to gather all their negative thoughts, bury them to eternity so it will never come back again.

To continue reading the passage written at the entrance, here’s more of what it says:

“No more for here is buried the world’s negativism for all time. Those who rest here have died not in vain – but for you a stern reminder. As you leave this hill remember that the rest of your life. Be More Positive.”

In this case, killing your negative thoughts by burying it symbolically would most likely lead to a resurrection of more positive outlook thereafter. The Cemetery of Negativism is a classic representation of second chances and self-improvement. Since death means the end of everything, this psychological process can somehow set up a more positive mood.

We do not need to imitate what John Hightower did though—like maybe putting up our own version of Cemetery of Negativism in the backyard of our homes. This cemetery just wanted to teach us one thing—be more positive and throw all your worries away.

Cemetery of Negativism

Camp John Hay, Baguio City, Philippines

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