Dr. Randy Pausch's words will change your life.

Dr. Randy Pausch, who was an amazing man, teacher and father - died yesterday at the young age of 47.

when he had nothing left but his word, he gave it to an audience of 400, but was truly talking to his three small children. diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, at the time of this speech, doctors gave him months only to live. he went on to live for another ten months, blessing us with appearances, Congress visits to speak about cancer research and more incredible perils of wisdom.

this first video is Dr. Randy Pausch on Oprah giving a much-abridged version of his amazing speech:

the second is the unabridged Carnegie Mellon speech.

he was asked to take part in Carnegie Mellon's 'Last Lecture' series which is a trend amongst colleges nowadays, where the top Professors are asked to think deeply about what matters to them and to give hypothetical 'final talks'.

except, for most of the speakers, they were in their usual 'healthy' states. for Dr. Pausch, it would essentially be his last public speech.


we have all been touched personally by death, and many times - they are non-ideal situations ; a parent who didn't get a chance to say goodbye or even give you that 'life talk', a friend you didn't get to hug, your grandparent you didn't call the week before. there are always regrets. but Dr. Pausch shows us that we can live without those regrets by honoring ourselves, and being positive. learning to apologize properly, and value people more than things are just two key lessons.

I leave you with the most outstanding quote I have heard in a very long time, from the revered Dr. Pausch:

"Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want."

and, if you are interested in learning more about life and enjoying every damn moment of it as I swear to do, read his book (I am getting it today):

THE LAST LECTURE by Randy Pausch.