Dr. Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, died yesterday. He was diagnosed in August 2006 with pancreatic cancer and became an Internet sensation for his “Last Lecture” and a best-selling book by the same name.
This talk was part an ongoing series of lectures at Carnegie Mellon where top academics were asked to give a hypothetical address about what wisdom they would share with the world if this was their last chance to do so. Dr. Pausch’s gave his speech entitled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” on September 18, 2007. It was his last lecture.
He was a Vision Caster. A Vision Caster must have a big idea. Dr. Pausch had one. He said obstacles serve a purpose and they “give us a chance to show how badly we want something.” So when confronted with incurable cancer, instead of retreating into self-pity and isolation, he became an advocate for achieving dreams and awareness of pancreatic cancer.
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Randy Pausch inspires me! Thank you Todd for touching, moving and inspiring me!
Thanks Dennis for your comment. I agree Dr. Pausch was an inspiring individual. What is really interesting is that he didn’t start off to be one. He never imagined the notoriety or attention he would receive after giving “The Last Lecture.”
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