Computer science professor Dr. Randy Pausch made an incredible contribution to mankind. He worked diligently to fulfill his childhood dreams and cared deeply about those with whom he associated along the way. As if to put icing on a cake celebrating a full and generative life, Pausch went through the trouble to articulate his formula for a life well-lived after being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
He gave what became known as “The Last Lecture” at Carnegie Mellon University on September 18, 2007. It was an incredibly inspiring and thought-provoking speech, written for his family, but delivered to his colleagues and acquaintances. Pausch gave an abridged version of his speech on the Oprah Show in 2007, which I would like to share with you this morning.
As Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow wrote: “His fate is ours, sped up.” The New York Times obituary for Pausch noted: “Some of the millions who saw Dr. Pausch on YouTube and elsewhere wrote letters and e-mail to The Journal and many blogs. Some said he inspired them to quit feeling sorry for themselves, or to move on from divorces, or to pay more attention to their families. A woman said the video gave her the strength to escape an abusive relationship; others said they decided not to commit suicide because of it.”
Life is too short to waste simply existing. Remember your childhood dreams if you’ve forgotten them. Adopt a policy of humility if you’ve grown proud. Take time to enjoy the little things in your life and complement others who are happy. Most of all, choose the path of integrity in all that you do.
Pausch died of complications from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008, but I am confident that his advice will serve as a catalyst for happiness and victorious living for generations to come.
Gregory Hake 
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I finally had the time to listen to the original lecture and it was definitely worth my time. It is one thing to live like your dying and it’s another when it is the fact. I know his children will appreciate and benefit from his courage, humor and wisdom as will countless others; I have.
Thanks Gregg for bringing this to more people. He certainly had some ideas worth sharing.
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Thanks for sharing this. I read about him but never heard him. I can see why this lecture is so popular. He wanted us to think, really think about the value of our lives.
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The way this man approached the end of his life was laudable. I don’t think that there is anything in my life that even comes close to approaching this. The way he handles having months left to live really has a way of putting things in perspective. The messages he gives, if followed, would be life changing.
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Thanks Gregg, this is truly inspiring!
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I wasn’t aware of Dr. Pausch. Thanks for this gem!
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Thank you for keeping his memory alive – this is insanely inspiring advice. What a blessing!
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Thank-you for such an awesome example of a life well lived, a tremendous opportunity is present with us today to change!
I’m thrilled to be on board, for what is shaping up more rapidly than ever before, the ride of LIFE.
Love to all,
Josh
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Wow!
This is so sad and yet, inspiring. I’m sad for any moment that anyone (myself included) would waste in their life not enjoying, giving and expressing their fullest for themselves and to others.
I’m inspired to relax, appreciate and love every moment. When you can see life in the right perspective, every interchange and opportunity is a delightful treasure in our hands. The question is, what do we choose to do with it!
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So touching and inspiring!
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