It is a custom for professors at Carnegie Mellon University, to convey all their wisdom to students in a single lecture. The goal of the hour-long speech is to incorporate everything that you would say if you were dying. In the case of Dr. Randy Pausch, the irony is that he does stand in the face of death. Pausch, a 47-year-old father of three, delivers his "last lecture" against a poignant backdrop-a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. Pausch's speech reflects the indomitable spirit of a man who does not lose his zest for life, even as he faces death.
Pausch breaks down his lecture into three segments. He speaks of childhood dreams and how to achieve them, lessons learned and helping others to fulfill their dreams too. His oration transitions smoothly from one theme to the other. Pausch shares a boyhood dream of participating in the National Football League. He muses that he gained something invaluable from not accomplishing that dream. It taught him the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Using the analogy of “Tigger and Eeyore," Pausch divides the world into two categories of individuals, those who choose to look at the brighter side of life, and those who complain and indulge in self- pity.
According to Pausch, life's obstacles are like "brick walls," and we all run into them at some point in time. As we encounter a wall, we question ourselves. Is it time to give up? Should I move on to something else, or should I persevere longer? Pausch believes that brick walls exist for a reason. They help us to realize how badly we want something. He recalls an incident when he had applied to the computer science department at Brown and was on the waiting list. He called the admission office and pleaded his case. An acceptance letter arrived three days later. Pausch believes that if you desire something, you discover the means to overcome the brick wall.
The scope of the talk transcends career and personal goals. It is a summation of everything Pausch believes. It is about embracing the moment and overcoming barriers. Pausch advocates an optimistic philosophy towards life. He emphasizes the importance of doing good, empowering others to realize their dreams, and letting karma take care of itself.
Finally, he dedicates his lecture to his three children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe. And that may be his greatest legacy.
