Blog Post # 6

In the beginning of Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture he explains, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” After coming to the realization that he had 10 tumors in his liver and was given 3-6 months to live I’m sure this quote meant more to him than any other. Keeping the audience alive and listening, Pausch used much humor and was very energized in his tone throughout the lecture. He talked about his childhood and explained some childhood dreams of his. Inspiration and motivation were two main factors in this lecture. Pausch makes you realize that life isn’t about, and shouldn’t be about, worrying about tomorrow; it’s about living for today.

Pausch shares many quotes throughout the lecture. One that caught my attention was, "Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted". This quote is for those childhood dreams that you didn't exactly achieve but got much needed experience from working for it. It could also be for a game or competition you lost. When we lose or don’t get what we wanted is when we become better and learn to work harder the next time. My favorite quote was, “Brick walls are there for a reason - they let us prove how badly we want things.” I feel like this quote applies to everyone and couldn’t be any truer. A life without working hard for something is too easy and almost never happens. These brick walls provide drive and teach us how to fight for what we want and believe in.

Some of Pausch’s childhood dreams included becoming an NFL player, being Captain Kirk, winning stuffed animals, and a couple more. Pausch may not have accomplished all his dreams but he came close. He inspires you to never give up on any dreams of yours and strive to accomplish every single one. He teaches you to take criticism and use it to your full advantage. He stresses that listening to criticism and learning from it will help you from making the same mistake twice.

If Randy Pausch was to be summed up into one word it would be inspiring. You would have never been able to tell he had 3-6 months to live. His attitude, tone, and even presence were so positive and motivating. Watching this hour long video teaches you things that some people take years to learn. After hearing his quotes and beliefs the way I’ll think about life and brick walls is completely different. Randy Pausch has inspired me after watching this video and I’m sure he has touched millions of others.