I can’t recall how I learned about the existence of this book, but after reading it, I was definitely grateful for being exposed to the profound messages it contained.
The book, ‘The Last Lecture’, was written by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Its introduction into the literary arena, earned a position on the National Bestseller list. The story that Dr. Pausch shares with his literary comrades, is an extension of an actual lecture that Dr. Pausch gave during an infamous ‘last lecture’ at his university.
The book is actually very short reading; not much over 200 pages, but some words DO create volumes when presented in a certain way. Dr. Pausch wrote this book as a form of legacy to his children, as well as, a medium for conveying what is important in life-living each day to the fullest! The importance of his message was designed to reach his children in the future, at a time when they would be old enough to understand. Dr. Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given only months to live, at the time he wrote this book. His children ranged in ages one to five.
I believe that reading this book would impact anyone’s view of where they stood in life, at any moment. Although Dr. Pausch is a dying man, he speaks to the reader with the dynamics of life and living. He stirs up questions that we normally do not take time to address, much less think of. I found myself assessing my life as I read the book! I loved his zeal for life, even before he knew he had cancer. He spoke of childhood dreams and how they can come true and shape your life.
The acceptance of Dr. Pausch to give ‘the last lecture’ at his university pivoted on his desire to establish his unique ‘ness’ In his adventure to accomplish this feat, he promotes a state of being that encourages the reader to pursue a similar quest. One of his special quotes from the book that defines this need for action is, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”—Randy Pausch. His story entails a rich embodiment of what worked for him. He demonstrates a common blueprint that anyone could customize for their own framework of living life with more meaning that is applicable in all aspects of one’s life.
I would recommend this reading to everyone. It is inspirational to the average person, but especially to teachers. It makes you think about seizing your own time, as well as, being an important part in someone else’s life……and that includes our students (because “time is all you have….and you may find one day that you have less than you think”-excerpt from the book). Not only do we have the opportunity to create, and strive for our dreams; but Dr. Pausch speaks about our opportunities to enable others with their dreams, as well!
The book, ‘The Last Lecture’, was written by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Its introduction into the literary arena, earned a position on the National Bestseller list. The story that Dr. Pausch shares with his literary comrades, is an extension of an actual lecture that Dr. Pausch gave during an infamous ‘last lecture’ at his university.
The book is actually very short reading; not much over 200 pages, but some words DO create volumes when presented in a certain way. Dr. Pausch wrote this book as a form of legacy to his children, as well as, a medium for conveying what is important in life-living each day to the fullest! The importance of his message was designed to reach his children in the future, at a time when they would be old enough to understand. Dr. Pausch had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given only months to live, at the time he wrote this book. His children ranged in ages one to five.
I believe that reading this book would impact anyone’s view of where they stood in life, at any moment. Although Dr. Pausch is a dying man, he speaks to the reader with the dynamics of life and living. He stirs up questions that we normally do not take time to address, much less think of. I found myself assessing my life as I read the book! I loved his zeal for life, even before he knew he had cancer. He spoke of childhood dreams and how they can come true and shape your life.
The acceptance of Dr. Pausch to give ‘the last lecture’ at his university pivoted on his desire to establish his unique ‘ness’ In his adventure to accomplish this feat, he promotes a state of being that encourages the reader to pursue a similar quest. One of his special quotes from the book that defines this need for action is, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”—Randy Pausch. His story entails a rich embodiment of what worked for him. He demonstrates a common blueprint that anyone could customize for their own framework of living life with more meaning that is applicable in all aspects of one’s life.
I would recommend this reading to everyone. It is inspirational to the average person, but especially to teachers. It makes you think about seizing your own time, as well as, being an important part in someone else’s life……and that includes our students (because “time is all you have….and you may find one day that you have less than you think”-excerpt from the book). Not only do we have the opportunity to create, and strive for our dreams; but Dr. Pausch speaks about our opportunities to enable others with their dreams, as well!
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