The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, Professor, Carnegie Mellon (004.092 P334L) How would you feel if your doctor calmly explained to you that he would no longer be working to save your life but only to extend your time on earth? This was the situation for Randy Pausch and his family. He had pancreatic cancer which has the highest morality rate of any cancer. However, he did not allow his illness to rob him of enjoying his last days. He lived life to the fullest and he gave his last lecture which was AWESOME...based on really achieving his childhood dreams.
What was inspiring about this book to me was that Randy saw the positive in all negatives. He took his learned experiences and shared them with us. He offered great advice for us to use in our life whether at work or at home. Below are some of the inspiring messages in the book:
- People are more important than things.
- Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something.
- In marriage, there will be dents and gashes and it's OK. Not everything needs to be fixed.
- No matter how bad things are, you can always make things worse. At the same time, it is often within your power to make them better.
- Focus on each day rather than the negative things down the road. It's not helpful if we spend every day dreading tomorrow.
- Do not obsess over what people think because it decreases your effectiveness of living.
- Look for the best in people.
The book just continued with great cliches and stories which will surely capture your heart. Randy Pausch will be missed.
2 comments:
I love it, Tenise! Thanks for sharing the main points. He got to do the weighless thing in a C-130. I at least got to meet one of the pilots. ;D We did do weightlessness in a c-172, but it isn't the same.
Maggie, he experienced more than the average person will ever. I hope that I have a fulfilled life as him before I die and be as wise about living...not taking anything for granted.
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