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The Last Lecture

By Miss Cellania in Everything Else on Sep 20, 2007 at 9:28 am


150_RandyPausch46-year-old Carnegie-Mellon professor Randy Pausch delivered his final lecture, entitled “How to Live Your Dreams” on Tuesday. Paush has terminal pancreatic cancer. The lecture is powerful and uplifting.

“What we’re not going to talk about today,” he continued, “is cancer, because I’ve spent a lot of time talking about that … and we’re not going to talk about things that are even more important, like my wife and [three preschool] kids, because I’m good, but I’m not good enough to talk about that without tearing up.”

What he was there to discuss was how to fulfill your childhood dreams, and the lessons he had learned on his life’s journey.

Link to story. Link to video. Link to full lecture (opens in new player). Link to Pausch’s website. -via Reddit and Fark


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COMMENT
  1. Adam Stanhope
    Sep 20th, 2007 at 11:50 am

    Great post, Misc!

  2. Ali S.
    Sep 20th, 2007 at 4:23 pm

    I concur! It's one heck of a doozey.

  3. Zack
    Sep 20th, 2007 at 5:41 pm

    I was lucky enough to go to one of his lectures in my college days. I probably wouldn't be at the job I'm at today if it wouldn't have been for the program he founded. His disease is indeed a true shame.

  4. Fred
    Sep 20th, 2007 at 7:17 pm

    What's sad is that people like him are stricken with this disease, while child molesters probably win the lottery. It's a f*cked up world.

  5. Espy
    Sep 20th, 2007 at 11:03 pm

    I echo the above comment. This story has broken my heart and filled it at the same time. xo

  6. Alex
    Sep 21st, 2007 at 1:40 am

    This story really gives me pause - what am I doing with my life? And what am I doing to protect my family when I (eventually, anyway - I hope) die?

    Though death will come for all of us, I think it is coming way too early for someone like Prof. Pausch.

  7. Ty
    Sep 21st, 2007 at 1:58 am

    That really sucks for him. I hate it when people in unfortunate situations tell you to not feel sorry for them, because it makes me feel even worse, especially when I have no power to help.

  8. matt
    Sep 21st, 2007 at 12:29 pm

    It's really hard to believe. Watching that video I can't suppress thoughts that he might still be okay. It just doesn't seem like someone who looks so healthy can deteriorate and die within a couple months; especially with such certainty.

  9. Nancy
    Sep 21st, 2007 at 9:33 pm

    I encourage everyone to to watch his full lecture. So many good lessons and inspiration. Very powerful and heartwarming.

  10. John Chambliss
    Nov 7th, 2007 at 2:40 pm

    I listened to the complete lecture after watching him on Oprah.. I have all my friends Google The Last Lecture and have their children watch... This probably is The Greatest Lecture for young and old to watch and learn from.. Also, wate= Ken Burn's The War...

  11. Virginia
    Nov 12th, 2007 at 8:31 pm

    I have seen Dr. Pausch lecture, and it was (at least for me) life changing, myself grieving for a family member who recently died from Cancer, his words gave me a life lesson, enjoy life NOW while you can. I have Prof. Pausch and his beautiful family in my prayers.

  12. becki anderson
    Nov 14th, 2007 at 10:16 pm

    I am amazed over and over again when someone displays this much tenacity right in the face of death. I stumbled on this story and now his inspiration to go on with each day...has become a new mantra for me. who know he could touch so many lives in his stay on this orb. It is my pleasure and honor to be a part of this stage and this message.

  13. lisa_funderburk
    Apr 10th, 2008 at 12:19 am

    I just like to say I watched about Randy Pausch
    on t.v.with Diane Sawyer it was a touchin show.
    He is strong and got so much drive in him to be
    sick. I dont feel sorry for him I feel bad, for his
    wife and three kids, he leaves behind.
    He mighted not mentioned God right off, that dont mean
    hes not saved.
    He has a beautiful family and kids there young.
    I pray that the Lord wont let him suffer to much
    in his pain, that he keeps him strong in Jesus name
    Amen.. lisaf

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