The Last Lecture discussion

We all know we have to die, but what if one day you recognize that you have less time than you think and you have lot to do.

That was Randy Pausch, a lecturer who just inspires you and forces you to introspect within, to find yourself and prioritize your life.
There would be a point in the book where you could feel bored but just flip a couple of pages and you are ought to be caught again by the book,
Not just because it's written beautifully but because it resembles the life of every other man, with only a difference that the persons it's talking about knows he is going to die anyway, leaving behind his three children( the eldest being 6 years) and a widow.
But as Randy said, "You cannot change the cards you are dealt, it’s how you play the hand."

This book is certainly going to change the way you think and live.

And you are going Gift it to the people you want to get inspired by life.
I did it, I'm sure whosoever reads it will do the same.

I did it twice so far. A friend of mine asked me to help him choosing a book for an assignment in which we had to present a book to the class, and he hates reading (the only thing he had read in his entire life was one of the Harry Potter books)and I gave him this one because it's so easy to read, and it's one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. He read it in a week and when he finished he told me this book changed his life and the way he thinks (and also that reading wasn't that bad afterall).
The second time, was to another friend and she said the same thing.
I think this book has this universal message and everybody should read it at least once.

The company I used to work for gave all 250 employees this book as a Christmas gift. It was a touching story and quite inspirational, as well as a lovely read.

I don't want to sound mean but if his story wasn't so compelling and tragic, I don't think this book would have become much based on the content itself. I read it and watched the video of the last lecture -- also saw him on Oprah I think. I admire him for doing something for his family and having courage in the face of his disease but as a book I don't think Last Lecture is that meaningful in terms of literary or philosophical or spiritual contributions.

Hello Mayor,
I agree with you in your saying that The Last Lecture it is not necessarily quality literally work. Yet, it is meaningful in the way that it moved so many lives. At our company, this tiny book had over 250 actually reading! That in itself is inspiring and indeed contributes to the literary world.

thanks Ginger, I agree. If something can get that many people interested in reading the same book and talking about it, that's a great outcome. It definitely gets people thinking about their lives and what is most important.

Anytime, Mayor! I love conversations that allow us to think outside of our own opinions. Your response did that for me and I thank you!

If a writer does face the ultimate challenge - death at a young age -- I believe we might want to honor him by listening and pondering his words. He thought so far ahead for his children's growth without him. Tell me your story, so that I may learn and tell mine.
I smile when I place the phone on speaker so that I can keep doing things. Randy did that consistently. Then, too, I think of his reaction to dings/dints in a car....it is a tool for transportation, just to get you & I there. He did not worry about speedy repair. Priorities, is what it all comes down to. Thank you, Randy Pausch.

I'm reminded I wish to reread this one.

Nora I think you're right that people close to death probably have more wisdom and unique perspective. I certainly give this more weight because of that. Unfortunately I found Randy a bit arrogant at least in my opinion. I'm glad he found a way to have his voice heard and to take care of his family. I respect that. I just don't think his ultimate message was that powerful to me.

mmmm. I never picked up on arrogance, rather positivity and live life! I really must re-read. thankU.

definitely very positive and live life! it was more when he was on TV that I felt sort of like he was the professor and I the student. I'm sure I'm quite wrong, but I sensed a bit of arrogance or perhaps my meter needs to be calibrated, which is entirely possible.

Love the chapter on Coach Graham...And the quote:

"Coach Graham rode you pretty hard today, didn't he? - That's a good thing...When your screwing up and nobody says anything to you anymore, that means they've given up on you."