Lessons from ‘The Last Lecture’ of Dr Randy Pausch
With a new year and a fresh new decade now upon us, many people are making resolutions to live their lives in a different and more positive way. In this article, we highlight the wisdom of Dr Randy Pausch about the importance of planning for the future, while ensuring that you make the most of today.
About Dr Randy Pausch
Pausch was a well-known academic in the information technology field, having been a tenured Professor of Computer Science at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In late 2006, aged 45, Dr Pausch learned he had an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, which would ultimately prove fatal.
On 18 September 2007 he gave his final lecture to his Carnegie Mellon students. Without a doubt, this was a devastating personal moment for a man who was dedicated to his students and so passionate about technology.
Nonetheless, Dr Pausch chose to make his ‘Last Lecture’ a positive statement about a life well lived.
Making the most of today
Below are some pearls of wisdom, imparted by a generous man who used his own battle with terminal illness to motivate and inspire others.
Brick walls are there for a reason as they show how much you want something and they stop those who don’t want it badly enough. How often do you get discouraged when something you have worked so hard for doesn’t work out the way you first planned? Perseverance is the key when life disappoints you.
Harness the power of enthusiasm. How engaged are you with life? Do you relish each day as a gift that gives you the opportunity to do something differently – or do you wish your days to fly by in the hope that one day things will suddenly be different?
Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. Life can surprise us, and in ways that we neither want nor wish for. Dr Pausch’s words are a timely reminder that even the less-than-pleasant experiences are tools we can put towards living life positively, as well as encouraging those around us to do the same.
The most important things we learn in life are learned indirectly – perseverance, kindness, teamwork, leadership. These are all qualities that we learn as a result of our dealings with other people. It’s a fact of life, however, that these interactions won’t always be pleasant. Dr Pausch’s own experience emphasises that we can cope and ultimately grow from adversity.
And lastly…
Dr Pausch passed away peacefully on 25 July 2008, aged 47, leaving behind a wife and three young children. Despite his passing, his words of wisdom will continue to set an example for others for a long time to come. Rest in peace, Randy!
Sources: www.thelastlecture.com
