Randy Pausch – The Last Lecture

On September 18, 2007, Carnegie Mellon professor and alumnus Randy Pausch delivered a one-of-a-kind lecture that made the world stop and pay attention.

It became an Internet sensation viewed by millions, an international media story, and a best-selling book that has been published in 35 languages. To this day, people everywhere continue to talk about Randy, share his message and put his life lessons into action in their own lives. Randy died July 25, 2008, at the age of 47.

Goals Accomplished
“Pausch, was a computer science professor, delivered the lecture at Carnegie Mellon in September 2007, a month after being told he had three to six months to live because his cancer had returned. The then lanky, energetic Pausch talked about goals he had accomplished, like experiencing zero gravity and creating Disney attractions, and those he had not, including becoming a professional football player.

The Importance of Persistence
He had used rejections he was handed when he applied for jobs at Disney to comment on the importance of persistence. “The brick walls are there for a reason, to show us how badly we want something,” he said. “Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”

“Pancreatic cancer is a hideous disease; Pausch said, “I am doing everything possible to raise awareness and research funding.” The lecture was really for my kids, but if others are finding value in it, that is wonderful. But rest assured; I’m hardly unique. Send your kids to Carnegie Mellon and the other professors here will teach them valuable life lessons long after I’m gone.”

The VIDEO