Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture

1. IDEA 1

   A dying professor gave a lecture

   Pausch, a computer science professor, was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and gave a final lecture at his university. Titled Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, it became a viral sensation and a book.

2. IDEA 2

   Childhood dreams matter

   Pausch describes his childhood dreams, such as experiencing zero gravity and working at Disney. He achieved many and explains how. Pausch presents this as proof that big childhood wishes can shape a life in real and lasting ways.

3. IDEA 3

   Brick walls test determination

   Pausch argues that brick walls, obstacles in life, are there to show how badly we want something. They stop those who do not want it enough. Pausch presents this as encouragement to keep going when the way ahead seems blocked.

All 8 ideas from The Last Lecture →