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The last lecture
Pausch R., Zaslow J., Hyperion, 2008. 224 pp. Type: Book (9781401323257)
Date Reviewed: Jan 7 2009

In his last lecture, Randy Pausch--a professor of computer science, human-computer interaction, and design at Carnegie Mellon University--delivers a powerful, inspirational message. This phenomenal work captures his childhood dreams, how he realized most of those dreams, and what he learned from those he failed to realize. Pausch credits many individuals in his life for their strength, wisdom, and guidance. He continually validates every single person mentioned in his lecture. He discusses how he and his colleagues joined forces so that they could provide opportunities for others to realize their dreams.

As the reader journeys through the life and times of the author, he distinguishes himself as one of those rare professors who truly cares about his students and genuinely inspires and pushes them toward greatness. Pausch delineates many of his personal and professional successes and triumphs. Throughout his lecture, Pausch richly credits others, rather than boasting selfishly about his own accomplishments. Pausch repeatedly discusses the projects in which he was involved that allowed artists and technologists to work together. Perhaps his favorite such project was working for Disney as an imagineer on the Aladdin project.

It is clear that Pausch understands and accepts the fact that he will soon face death. However, he addresses this in the beginning of his lecture, and does not dwell on it after that. Perhaps the most poignant of all is how Pausch finishes his lecture. First, he makes his point about focusing on others by bringing out a birthday cake for his wife. Knowing that this is to be her last birthday with her husband alive was touching enough. The words she whispered in his ear as she walked off the stage were, “Please don’t die.”

The lecture was delivered not with the intent of becoming a great work, but, rather, as a living legacy to the children he would leave behind. Throughout the lecture, Pausch talked about “the head fake.” The last lines of his lecture asked the audience to identify the first and second head fakes. The first head fake was: “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.” The lecture could not have ended on a finer note, leaving a legacy for his family, when Pausch tells everyone the second head fake. His last words explain, “The talk wasn’t just for those in the room. It was for my kids.”

Beyond his last lecture, Pausch has been celebrated with numerous awards for his contributions to computing, digital arts, and education. He was also a noted author of books and articles, and in 2008 was named as one of the world’s most influential people by Time magazine. The last lecture is clearly Pausch’s crowning achievement.

This is a must-read book. The reader is left with the impression that Pausch must have been an extraordinarily remarkable man who was taken from this world way too soon. His family, friends, and children were lucky to have him in their lives, even though he was taken in the prime of his life. The book is a love letter to Pausch’s children and wife. However, his words contain much wisdom, from which everyone can benefit.

Reviewer:  Jennifer Nolan Review #: CR136403 (0912-1105)
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