Tuesday, April 08, 2008

The Last Lecture

by Karen D. Swim

Have you achieved all of your dreams? If you knew you were facing the end of your life, what would you do? What life lessons would you pass on to those that you love? These are all questions that Professor Randy Pausch has faced and answered.

Randy Paush is a professor of Computer Science, Human Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Randy stepped onto a stage on September 18, 2007 to deliver his last lecture, entitled 'Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." The lecture was taped and via YouTube reached people around the world with its message of hope.

On April 9th, Randy Pausch will be interviewed by Diane Sawyer. Don't miss The Last Lecture: A Love Story for Your Life.

Randy has written a book with Jeffrey Zaslow, " The Last Lecture. The book goes beyond the lecture and is an inspiring read from a man who truly understands the meaning of living life with joy.

What final words of wisdom would you offer? Are there items still on your life wish list?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've seen this video and I highly recommend that everyone view it. Seriously. It's the best thing I ever saw in ages. Ages, ages.

Thanks for bringing it back to my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Ahh! I'm crying Karen! This is great! Thank you for sharing this. I don't have anything intelligent to say...just blown away.
We never know when our number will be up.
I hope you are feeling okay, and not getting too burned out. Take care. E

Unknown said...

@ James, I am glad that I could share it again! I was profoundly impacted the first time I saw it and definitely think it's worth sharing with others.

@Ellen *handing over tissue* , I am so glad I could share it with you. A recent death in my own family has definitely brought the message to life that life is precious. I am so committed to living each day with joy and meaning.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that Karen. *hands over a fresh tissue* I still don't have anything intelligent to say. Let me know if you need anything.

Anonymous said...

This is such an amazing lecture, isn't it, Karen? When I first saw it, I was in a whirlpool of emotions: sadness, joy, hope. A truly powerful speech.
And, Karen, I was so sorry to hear that you had lost someone from your family. Big hugs to you and yours.
Amy
xx

Unknown said...

@ Ellen and Amy, thank you both for your condolences and kind words. It is a very tough time, hugs and support are warmly appreciated, thanks for being there for me.

Amy, I agree with you about the power of his lecture. To face death with such courage and inspire others along the way is so powerful.

Sending hugs right back to all of you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you carving time out to read and comment. :-)

Karen
xx

Anonymous said...

How inspiring Randy Pausch is! If you liked "The Last Lecture", another fantastic memoir I just read and highly recommend is "My Stroke of Insight" by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. Her TEDTalk video (ted.com) has been seen as many times as The Last Lecture I think, and Oprah did 4 shows on her book, so there are a lot of similarities. In My Stroke of Insight, there's a happy ending though. It's an incredible story! I hear they're making it into a movie.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the recommendation! I will have to check out My Stroke of Insight, it sounds great. I always like the book better than the movie so I'll have to read it before the movie comes out. Thanks again!