The Last Lecture

by Randy Pausch


Beloved professor and father of three, Randy Pausch is diagnosed with terminal cancer and is asked to give a final lecture. At first he is hesitant, but decides that it is important to leave both a professional and personal legacy. Pausch's last lecture, titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" focuses on the core principles that he would like his children to incorporate into their daily lives.













"If I could only give three words of advice, they would be 'tell the truth.' If I got three more words, I'd add: 'All the time.'" - Randy Pausch


"No job is beneath you. You ought to be thrilled you got a job in the mailroom and when you get there, here's what you do: Be really great at sorting mail." - Randy Pausch


"You can always change your plan, but only if you have one." - Randy Pausch


"Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?" - Randy Pausch


"The person who failed often knows how to avoid future families. The person who knows only success can be more oblivious to all the pitfalls." - Randy Pausch


"I know you're smart. But everyone here is smart. Smart isn't enough. The kind of people I want on my research team are those who will help everyone feel happy to be here." - Randy Pausch


"When we're connnected to others, we become better people."- Randy Pausch


"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer." - Randy Pausch


"Too many people are unhappy with the idea of starting at the bottom." - Randy Pausch


"Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for eachother. And despite my love of efficiency, I think that thank-you notes are best done the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper." - Randy Pausch