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The Last Lecture
Paperback
Published October 1, 2008
About the author
Randy Pausch
15 books1,561 followersI am flattered and embarassed by all the recent attention to my "Last Lecture." I am told that, including abridged versions, over six million people have viewed the lecture online. The lecture really was for my kids, but if others are finding value in it, that is wonderful. But rest assured; I'm hardly unique. Send your kids to Carnegie Mellon and the other professors here will teach them valuable life lessons long after I'm gone. -- Randy
Randy Pausch was a Professor of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and a best-selling author, who achieved worldwide fame for his "The Last Lecture" speech on September 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University.
In August 2006, Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He pursued a very aggressive cancer treatment that included Whipple procedure surgery and experimental chemotherapy; however, in August 2007, he was told the cancer had metastasized to his liver and spleen, which meant it was terminal. He then started palliative chemotherapy, intended to extend his life as long as possible. At that time, doctors estimated he would remain healthy for another three to six months. On May 2, 2008, a PET scan showed that his cancer had spread to his lungs, some lymph nodes in his chest and that he had some metastases in his peritoneum and retroperitoneum.
On June 26, 2008, Pausch indicated that he was considering stopping further chemotherapy because of the potential adverse side effects. He was, however, considering some immuno-therapy-based approaches.
On July 24, 2008, on behalf of Pausch, his friend (anonymous) posted a message on Pausch's webpage indicating cancer progression further than what was expected from recent PET scans and Pausch becoming more sick than ever. It was announced that his family had sent him into a hospice program — palliative care to those at the end of life.
On July 25, 2008, Diane Sawyer announced on Good Morning America that Pausch had died earlier that morning.
Randy Pausch was a Professor of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and a best-selling author, who achieved worldwide fame for his "The Last Lecture" speech on September 18, 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University.
In August 2006, Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He pursued a very aggressive cancer treatment that included Whipple procedure surgery and experimental chemotherapy; however, in August 2007, he was told the cancer had metastasized to his liver and spleen, which meant it was terminal. He then started palliative chemotherapy, intended to extend his life as long as possible. At that time, doctors estimated he would remain healthy for another three to six months. On May 2, 2008, a PET scan showed that his cancer had spread to his lungs, some lymph nodes in his chest and that he had some metastases in his peritoneum and retroperitoneum.
On June 26, 2008, Pausch indicated that he was considering stopping further chemotherapy because of the potential adverse side effects. He was, however, considering some immuno-therapy-based approaches.
On July 24, 2008, on behalf of Pausch, his friend (anonymous) posted a message on Pausch's webpage indicating cancer progression further than what was expected from recent PET scans and Pausch becoming more sick than ever. It was announced that his family had sent him into a hospice program — palliative care to those at the end of life.
On July 25, 2008, Diane Sawyer announced on Good Morning America that Pausch had died earlier that morning.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 5, 2026
Randy Pausch, a computer science professor, shared his wisdom and life experiences in "The Last Lecture" which he gave at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The amazing thing is that he did this under a "death sentence", ie of pancreatic cancer. After diagnosis he was told he only had months to live. In the lecture, and specifically in this book, he gave his reflections on life, family, dreams, work and overcoming obstacles. Randy and his wife Jai faced this mountain with courage and strength. It's absolutely compelling reading for people of all walks of life - and ages.
March 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It was recommended by a friend who said it saved her life and I can honestly say it's changed mine. A book written by a dying man, but not about dying. The head fake here (as Andy likes to say) is that its a book about living. It's about how living the good life leads to your dreams finding you. I could read this book several times over and find it just as good as the first time through.
January 30, 2026
The Last Lecture reads like a set of notes a father leaves behind for his children, written by a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon who knows his time is limited, but chooses to focus entirely on how to live.
At its core, the book is about not giving up on childhood dreams, and about continuing to dream and work toward those dreams for as long as one is alive. Pausch weaves these lessons through stories from his own life: growing up, his relationship with his parents and sibling, his partner, his friends, and the people who shaped him.
What stood out to me most is that although the book is written by someone who knows he is dying, it is never about death. It is only about living. The tone is light, optimistic, and surprisingly comforting, not heavy or depressing.
One idea that stayed with me was his perspective on “brick walls.” Pausch writes that brick walls are not there to stop us; they exist to show us how badly we want something. They give us a chance to prove our commitment and they often separate those who want something casually from those who are willing to work for it.
There’s also a quiet faith in the idea that goodness returns, that showing up with integrity, effort, and kindness eventually comes back to you in unexpected ways.
What I found most moving was how present Pausch chose to be. Even while facing the end of his life, he focused on doing what genuinely brought him happiness, living fully in each day, and leaving behind something meaningful rather than mournful.
Favourite quote:
“The brick walls are there for a reason. They’re not there to keep us out. They’re there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”
At its core, the book is about not giving up on childhood dreams, and about continuing to dream and work toward those dreams for as long as one is alive. Pausch weaves these lessons through stories from his own life: growing up, his relationship with his parents and sibling, his partner, his friends, and the people who shaped him.
What stood out to me most is that although the book is written by someone who knows he is dying, it is never about death. It is only about living. The tone is light, optimistic, and surprisingly comforting, not heavy or depressing.
One idea that stayed with me was his perspective on “brick walls.” Pausch writes that brick walls are not there to stop us; they exist to show us how badly we want something. They give us a chance to prove our commitment and they often separate those who want something casually from those who are willing to work for it.
There’s also a quiet faith in the idea that goodness returns, that showing up with integrity, effort, and kindness eventually comes back to you in unexpected ways.
What I found most moving was how present Pausch chose to be. Even while facing the end of his life, he focused on doing what genuinely brought him happiness, living fully in each day, and leaving behind something meaningful rather than mournful.
Favourite quote:
“The brick walls are there for a reason. They’re not there to keep us out. They’re there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”
Read
June 3, 2026“I understand the argument that the billions of dollars spent to put men on the moon could have been used to fight poverty and hunger on Earth. But look, I’m a scientist who sees inspiration as the ultimate tool for doing good.”
I skimmed a few other reviews, and it really is hard to squeeze the memoir of a dying man into a 1-5 star rating. Yes, the book is self-indulgent, but about 40 pages in, it’s obvious this wasn’t written for us. It was written for his kids, as a way for them to remember their dad.
He was a brilliant engineer, who got his Ph.D., became a full-time professor, and would work until 10 p.m. on a Friday. His obsession, and the almost justified selfishness of putting curiosity and the urge to build above everything else - even family, even death - worked for me. It felt like connecting with a coworker who validates the meaning you attach to your own effort through shared vision.
Beyond that, though, most of his advice feels very specific to him. He talks about his family and his wife with a lot of love - but it’s not extraordinary. There’s a section about their life after his diagnosis where he mentions his wife started journaling instead of complaining to him about things like dirty dishes, and how that improved their relationship. To me, that’s a strange thing to only figure out after three kids, and only under the pressure of terminal illness.
I have more thoughts but, "Is it better to speak or to die?" To die, I guess. (Pun intended.)
Randy, you seem like someone I would’ve wanted to worked for/with. Rest in peace.
I skimmed a few other reviews, and it really is hard to squeeze the memoir of a dying man into a 1-5 star rating. Yes, the book is self-indulgent, but about 40 pages in, it’s obvious this wasn’t written for us. It was written for his kids, as a way for them to remember their dad.
He was a brilliant engineer, who got his Ph.D., became a full-time professor, and would work until 10 p.m. on a Friday. His obsession, and the almost justified selfishness of putting curiosity and the urge to build above everything else - even family, even death - worked for me. It felt like connecting with a coworker who validates the meaning you attach to your own effort through shared vision.
Beyond that, though, most of his advice feels very specific to him. He talks about his family and his wife with a lot of love - but it’s not extraordinary. There’s a section about their life after his diagnosis where he mentions his wife started journaling instead of complaining to him about things like dirty dishes, and how that improved their relationship. To me, that’s a strange thing to only figure out after three kids, and only under the pressure of terminal illness.
I have more thoughts but, "Is it better to speak or to die?" To die, I guess. (Pun intended.)
Randy, you seem like someone I would’ve wanted to worked for/with. Rest in peace.
July 26, 2026
After being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, computer science professor Randy Pausch was invited to give one final lecture. Instead of focusing on dying, he spoke about living— through stories of childhood dreams, work, love, fatherhood, and what truly matters.
I first came across clips of Randy Pausch’s last lecture many years ago (2009 or even earlier?), and I still remember how captivated I was by his storytelling. I actually didn’t know he’d written a book until I spotted this in a bookstore a few months back.
Randy writes with honesty, humor, and generosity. He shares stories from his childhood, career, marriage, and life as a father, and it’s impossible to miss how deeply he loved his family. He doesn’t shy away from the pain of his diagnosis, but somehow there is still so much joy in these pages.
There are plenty of memorable takeaways, but the ones that stayed with me were the conversations about preparing his family for life after he was gone. Oh, my heart.
A gentle reminder to live fully while we can, with the people we love. I’m glad I picked this up.
I first came across clips of Randy Pausch’s last lecture many years ago (2009 or even earlier?), and I still remember how captivated I was by his storytelling. I actually didn’t know he’d written a book until I spotted this in a bookstore a few months back.
Randy writes with honesty, humor, and generosity. He shares stories from his childhood, career, marriage, and life as a father, and it’s impossible to miss how deeply he loved his family. He doesn’t shy away from the pain of his diagnosis, but somehow there is still so much joy in these pages.
There are plenty of memorable takeaways, but the ones that stayed with me were the conversations about preparing his family for life after he was gone. Oh, my heart.
A gentle reminder to live fully while we can, with the people we love. I’m glad I picked this up.
April 28, 2026
My house cleaning includes dusting off bookshelves of keepers that are forgotten friends you once loved reading. I am decluttering myself from my literary keepsakes, but have some difficulty giving up this book which touched me deeply. So, I just reread it before I pass it on, and I understand why I did.
It is not a gift to die young but when Randy Pausch learned that he would, he confronted his too soon death from pancreatic cancer with a no-nonsense attitude about his bad luck and a desire to leave memories of his life that would help his family grieve, and move on solaced by the memories he left them of who he was and what they meant to him. His last lecture teaches about how we can derive much joy and gratitude for the good we give and receive: and how we can build memories with others to remind them of our love during their lifetime.
It is not a gift to die young but when Randy Pausch learned that he would, he confronted his too soon death from pancreatic cancer with a no-nonsense attitude about his bad luck and a desire to leave memories of his life that would help his family grieve, and move on solaced by the memories he left them of who he was and what they meant to him. His last lecture teaches about how we can derive much joy and gratitude for the good we give and receive: and how we can build memories with others to remind them of our love during their lifetime.
July 27, 2026
This book puts your life in check and review. By the end of it you not only will value time and years of your life but also understand the perish ability of it.
The sensitivity with which each chapter of life was handled is brilliant and gives you deep insights into what morals and compasses one should lead a life with. A brilliant read for sure!
When Jai says ‘please don’t die’ it literally breaks my heart because in the end we are all humans who are intertwined with our loved ones. No one ever wants to be near hardships let alone face them, but accepting that such is life is the only wisdom one can walk with.
Karma is what will keep you in check to reach and achieve your dreams .
The sensitivity with which each chapter of life was handled is brilliant and gives you deep insights into what morals and compasses one should lead a life with. A brilliant read for sure!
When Jai says ‘please don’t die’ it literally breaks my heart because in the end we are all humans who are intertwined with our loved ones. No one ever wants to be near hardships let alone face them, but accepting that such is life is the only wisdom one can walk with.
Karma is what will keep you in check to reach and achieve your dreams .
April 23, 2026
Most recommended book. Yes it's worth. The last lecture by Randy. He had six months he want everyone to know about him. The lecture not serious or dramatic. It is well presented simple and funny way.
Randy gave presentation through photos to his students, children and for everyone. He mostly saw live present. Achecive your dreams and goals. Make childhood memories and live it. Very sensible person.
Randy gave presentation through photos to his students, children and for everyone. He mostly saw live present. Achecive your dreams and goals. Make childhood memories and live it. Very sensible person.
February 20, 2026
A well worth, must read! A guide to living in a straightforward manner. His wonderful life lessons were presented with humour, clarity, perseverance and love. This book was inspiring to me. I recommend this novel to anyone!
March 23, 2026
Brilliant scheme to leave behind a legacy for the author’s children. After reading this and watching the lecture, I’d recommend the watch alone. While more comprehensive, the book didn’t add much value and obviously lacked the author’s amazing charisma and tone captured on video.
April 8, 2026
A great reminder that ' time is precious, finite. It's all we have and one day you may find you have less than you think. Give yourself permission to dream and live your childhood dreams.' Thanks Randy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
Honestly one the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Definitely worth the read!
October 13, 2025
A sweet little book that’s more about living than dying.
January 9, 2026
Moving and impactful a must read in a single sitting ponder about and read again
February 5, 2026
A guide to life with the ultimate authorial voice. Also made me cry :')
June 7, 2026
Great book. Very insightful
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews