The book captured the hearts and minds of the public in 2008 with a story of one man's incredible response to a terminal illness. The story quickly gained extensive media coverage. So if you have not yet read the book, you likely heard a soundbite on the evening news, on Oprah, or in conversation with a friend.
The Last Lecture is the true story of computer science Professor Randy Pausch, husband and father of 3 young children facing a terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Given 3-6 months to live, Randy finds himself thrust into a slow-motion demise with the heart squeezing question, how do I spend my remaining time?
Calling on his personal strengths and life lessons, Randy expressed himself in the way he knew best. He lectured. On September 18, 2007, he stepped in front of a hall packed with 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University. The talk was recorded.
Today, over 10 millionpeople have experienced Randy's final lecture titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" through YouTube. Many more have their own DVD copy. Randy's lecture has become a phenomenon along with the book which followed.
Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008. However, he has secured a lasting legacy that has impacted millions of others. And most importantly...his children.
For LoveMyGrandchild.com fans, I believe The Last Lecture is an inspirational example of how one man has created a legacy. You should absolutely make a point of seeing what lessons Randy has provided us. Not only in distilling his own life wisdom...but also the example of legacy creation he has provided.
On college campuses, there's an academic exercise in a series of talks titled “The Last Lecture” where professors are challenged to imagine their demise. And professors take turns giving a lecture on the final wisdom they would impart to their students in their final hours. For Randy, invited to participate in the Last Lecture series…his “inspiration” to put himself in the frame of mind required by the series is all too real.
The book captures Randy’s preparation and delivery of his last lecture along with the secret insight to his motivation.
He tells us the story of his life in a walk through his childhood dreams, providing a framework for his talk. He coaches on living up to your potential and striving to achieve your own dreams. Randy shares key life lessons along his journey to provide wisdom and guidance for the 400 or so who crammed the lecture hall that day...and millions thereafter once the magic of his legacy ignited the thoughts of others.
I recently re-read Randy's book. And among the many dozens of life secrets, some of the notations that caused me to fold a page corner included:
An appreciation & pride for his parents in the examples they lived. Of being charitable, of sacrifices made, and humility despite great achievements.
His parents allowing Randy the freedom to paint his own bedroom, and express his personal interests and dreams. (How many parents would simply say "No"?)
A lesson from his football coach on how to build self-esteem in children. "You have to challenge them to something they can’t do, allow them to work hard to achieve the goal, and repeat. You can not coddle a child into self-esteem."
"Brick walls are there for a reason. Not to keep us out. But to allow us to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enoug."
The symbolism for a positive attitude as demonstrated by Disney World staff. When asked what time the park closes, staff are trained to respond “the park is OPEN until 8pm." I found it fascinating that Randy reflected this very perspective during his remaining days.
The power of hard work over whining. "We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won't make us happier."
Looking for the best in everybody. A mentor of Randy once provided him a unique life secret..."If you wait long enough, people will surprise and impress you."
The Last Lecture is an engaging book of wisdom. I am certain that you will find your own profound connection with Randy's story and life experiences. And, while you are likely to feel sorrow, sadness, and shed a tear or two for the situation this caring father finds himeself in, you will also be elevated. You will find joy in his ability to leverage his great opportunity...
Randy, while living through the inescapable emotions of a terminal illness, finds his own deep appreciation for the chance to collect his thoughts. To package his learnings. And secure his legacy in the final months of life. In Randy's own words:
"Under the ruse of giving an academic lecture, I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children..."
So many of us don't have the opportunity to capture our wisdom in the days before our time to pass. And, in fact we typically consider such dreadful foresight to be a nightmare scenario. But Randy, in his unique and inspiring perspective teaches us how to focus on the silver lining of those storm clouds.
Why not borrow from the exercise of the campus tradition of the Last Lecture?
Give yourself a personal challege. Imagine you have the chance to speak one final time on the lessons you'd like to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
What would they be?
Defense mechanisms of our minds are apt to block our participation in such an exercise. It's scary. Heart-wrenching. Depressing. So most will only give the thought a passing moment or two.
But know that if you face your fears and experience your own storm of emotions, you will also gain great insight. Perhaps a few concepts will surface to help you define the framework of your own legacy.
Pick up The Last Lecture as an inspirational example of how legacies can be captured. Notice that Randy's story is deeply personal and unique. Your story is also very unique and special. And know that your story is no less glamorous or important. For Randy had no intentions of his lessons resonating with millions of people...he was focusing his final moments, and his legacy on his own 3 children.
View Randy Pausch, A Final Farewell from Wall Street Journal
View the full lecture "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"
Buy The Last Lecture book
Pick up the book today to inspire your legacy efforts, or those of your loved ones. An impactful gift! In fact I received my copy from Mom on Mothers' Day 2008 with a note inscribed on the first page...
A mother's dream is for her children to achieve their dreams, and find joy in their lives. May your dreams be fulfilled and happiness fill your heart. Much love...Mom.
