Update: Randy Pausch Has Died

Willis Whitlock — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:53:17 +0000

Randy Pausch and his children

From the Wall Street Journal:

Randy Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist whose “last lecture” about facing terminal cancer became an international sensation and a best-selling book, died Friday. He was 47 years old.

University spokeswoman Anne Watzman said Mr. Pausch died early Friday at his home in Virginia.

Read the full article or his last interview.

Listening to The Last Lecture

Willis Whitlock — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:09:21 +0000

I listened to The Last Lecture audio book on the drive to Utah over the weekend. The book comes from the life lessons of Randy Pausch. It was inspirational and life affirming as I knew it would be.

Professor Pausch is the optimistic cancer patient in the popular YouTube video seen by millions. He delivered the lecture “Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” at Carnagie Mellon several weeks after being told he had 3-6 months to live. If you haven’t seen it, set aside an hour to do it here.

Watching the video left me with the feeling that I’d like to know this guy a little better. The book does that.

My neurological challenges seem puny compared to his life and death struggle. I find solace in knowing others who keep a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

There are many touching stories of childhood, love of family, and optimism. It is well worth the time to read, or listen to, The Last Lecture.

The Last Lecture website.

Randy Pausch personal page.

Pausch gave the graduate charge at Carnagie Mellon in May 2008.

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Update: Randy Pausch Has Died

Listening to The Last Lecture