CMU Professor Randy Pausch of “the last lecture” fame is no more. He died of cancer on July 25, 2008.
On September 18, 2007, Professor Randy surprised everyone in CMU by giving a talk with an unusual title “The Last Lecture – Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”. Quoting from his personal experiences he related to the career goals and personal goals of students during their formative years. It was such a touching, inspirational and thought provoking talk that millions of students watched his lecture that became the top video in YouTube video sharing service.
He was just 47; has 3 small children. The positive way in which he took life as it unfolds – cancer of pancreas and with just months of life left – is a lesson for all human beings. It reminds of Parikshit - the king and grandson of Arjuna, who had only seven days left; Parikshit used the seven days to listen to Srimad Bhagavatam in the form Saptaham (7 days), the tradition behind Bhagavata Saptaham till date.
Randy is no more; but he has left behind a better world – millions of people whom he influenced in the past 10 months are better human beings. That is ultimately the purpose of life!
Tags: career counselling, CMU, Randy Pausch, Really achieving your childhood dreams, The last lecture
