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Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and a blogger, died recently at the age of 47 from pancreatic cancer. Where a passing such as this might usually go unremarked, Pausch inspired an outpouring of tributes because he was a "symbol of the beauty and briefness of life." As Douglas Martin writes in The New York Times, Pausch's "The Last Lecture" "inspired many to live with wonder."
Thanks to appearances on shows such as Good Morning America and Oprah, the talk Pausch gave in the lecture series at Carnegie Mellon previously known as "The Last Lecture" became and internet sensation and video of his talk has been viewed more than ten million times. Titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Pausch's talk though given while he was dying was all about living life as fully as possible.
In addition to the video, Pausch wrote a book (with Jeffrey Zaslow) titled The Last Lecture. The lecture and the book are not just inspirational but are also full of practical advice. The section of the book titled "It's About How You Live Your Life" is full of chapters like "Look for the Best in Everybody" "Start By Sitting Together" "Dream Big" and "Don't Obsess Over What People Think,"
I've found that a substantial fraction of many people's days is spent worrying about what others think of them. If nobody ever worried about what was in other people's heads, we'd all be 33 percent more effective in our lives and on our jobs.
How did I come up with 33 percent? I'm a scientist. p. 141
I love that he attempts to illustrate his inspirational insight with numbers because he is being true to the scientist/geek in him.
Even if you don't consider yourself the type to be moved by motivational sentiment, I urge you to watch the video and/or read the book. Randy Pausch had a gift in his ability to speak to so many in this world - jocks, geeks, scientists, parents, crazy creative kids and dreamers.
Randy Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
A sampling of tributes:
Tara Parker-Pope New York Times "Last Lecture" Professor Randy Pausch, 47, Dies
“Cancer didn’t change me at all,'’ he said. “I know lots of people talk about the life revelation. I didn’t have that. I always thought every day was a gift, but now I am looking for where to send the thank you note.'’
Angie Felton, ParentDish, Randy Pausch, "Last Lecture" author passes away
For better or worse, parents are a child's first and most influential teacher of life. It was a job that professor Randy Pausch took seriously.
BethB, Silicon Valley Moms Blog, Randy Pausch, Inspirational Father and Lecturer
My geeky side (a fan of open-source software) hopes that open-source science may someday help find cures for cancers like Pancreatic. That would be a tribute to Randy Pausch, who openly shared his inspirational lecture with communities around the world by loading it to YouTube.
Susan Wiggs, The View From Here, Randy Pausch - Indelible
Publishing a novel is such a personally revealing, emotionally risky thing to do. I always worry when a book hits the stands–did I show too much? Go too far? Will readers see too much of my heart? From now on, I’m going to remember the remarks of Randy Pausch–when you get to the end of your life, you won’t regret the risks you took, the things that embarrassed you or made you look silly; you’ll be glad you followed your passion.
DeBorah Beatty, Opportunity's Knocking, Open the Door!, Randy Pausch, 47, Died Today
Watch the video and celebrate this incredible person’s journey. This is truly a shining example of a human being stepping up to embody the magnificence that is possible in us all.
The Anchoress, Randy Pausch, Hero, RIP
But…every once in a while, you see a real hero. And there is no need to lionize and no need to demonize. When you see a real hero, you know it. A real hero does not reflect or validate you. He makes you want to be like him.
Whitney Hess, Pleasure & Pain: Measuring the impact of new technology on human experience, The outpouring of love for Randy Pausch
When I found out yesterday morning that Randy Pausch had passed away the night before, I felt a wave of regret pour over me. For the things I
