The Last Lecture

I first heard about this lecture from my wife. A friend had sent her the video link and she sent it to me. I watched this and was so moved by Dr. Randy Pausch's lecture and outlook on life that I had to buy his book. Even though he only had a short time to live during the writing of his lecture and subsequent book, he never gave up on life. There are so many important points in this book that we can all learn from that I have read this book three time now, underlining the points I want my wife and friends to learn. Dr. Randy Pausch was an amazing man and my prayers go out to his family, but his legecy will live on. I strongly recomend parent read this to your children.
And remember
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as of you will die tomorrow.

I thought this book was excellent. This was my selection for my monthly book club and I felt I had given the other members a "gift" by having them read this book. I want to go back with a yellow highlighter and mark some of the parts that I thought were especially important. I recommend this book for all ages of people.

I purchased 3 copies of the Last Lecture. Shipping date was supposed to be the 6th of October. I still have not received these books!!!! So...what do I have to do to ensure I get my purchase. I have already e-mailed the seller...no response. Upset in Pasco Wa.

Randy Pausch was a professor of computer science, human computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University when he began dying at age 46. In 2006 Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, survived surgery and chemo but in August 2007 the cancer returned. On September 18, 2007, the author gave his "last lecture."

In his last lecture, Pausch provides a laugh-filled session of teaching stories, of pursuing childhood dreams, and of enjoying every moment of your life. That lecture was taped and placed on You Tube, was written up in the Wall Street Journal, and soon Pausch had a book deal worth about $7 million. Pausch co-authored The Last Lecture with Jeffry Zaslow, the Wall Street Journal writer who reported on You Tube video and the impact it made on viewers. After watching Diane Sawyer interview Randy Pausch, I decided that his book was going to be on my must-read list.

In the academic world, a "last lecture" often is given by a popular professor who is retiring or is given by a teacher who wants to impart knowledge to students as if he was going to die soon. For Pausch, his last lecture was given because he truly was going to die soon. In The Last Lecture, Pausch pays close attention to what he believes is most important. The professor, a warm, decent and loving person, writes about his childhood, about the achieving his goals, about the life of a dedicated teacher who loves his wife and kids. The result is a mixture of autographical reflections and homespun tips on managing time, re-thinking priorities, learning to listen to others, and making the most of life.

His final lecture is less about death and more about life.
The lesson the professor wants us to learn is that we can face any challenge in life as long as we face our problems with determination and optimism. Among the lessons are the importances of keeping commitments, of maintaining a sense of humor, of tolerating frustration, of showing gratitude, of setting goals, of working hard, of telling the truth, and of the importance of celebrating the victories of life when we can. In other words, live in the present and enjoy what you have and achieve your dreams rather than continuing to dream endlessly.

I cannot remember most of the lectures I heard in college but I doubt very much that I will soon forget The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.

Darin Manis
CEO and Founder
RJ & Makay
www.rjandmakay.com

I had read excerpts and summaries of this book but, in reality, none did it justice.
I am emotional person but did not shed a tear throughout this book - I found it to be tremendously uplifiting. Randy's family, his parents and all who touched his life in his younger years and helped mold him into the adult he was and his lovely wife Jai and subsequently their children have all contributed tremendously to who Randy was and becuse of them his ideals, sense of humor and soul will live on through them. Equally, he contributed to who all that they are as well. I wish I had known him personally.
Fabulous book - the hour I finished it I ordered 8 more for our adult children and a few friends who are very special to me.