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Last Lecture
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."---Randy Pausch A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy? When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn't have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave--"Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"--wasn't about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because "time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think"). It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living. In this book, Randy Pausch has combined the humor, inspiration and intelligence that made his lecture such a phenomenon and given it an indelible form. It is a book that will be shared for generations to come.
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review
pr.alm
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
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Pickpick

Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2006, and after failed attempts to halt its growth, was told to expect three to six months of good health. At the time of his terminal diagnosis, Randy was a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. In his last lecture, Pausch talks about achieving your dreams, the importance of overcoming obstacles, and seizing the moment.

review
Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What would you tell those around you if you only had months to live?
This sobering end-of-life account reminds of how we can live a satisfying life.
This book covers a heavy topic in such a light hearted way you'll want to love those you care about in a much deeper way.

#nonfiction #bestseller

12 likes1 stack add
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Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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A really good reminder of how to deal with great advice, mentors, and opportunities.

#nonfiction #advice

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SusanLee
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Eggs 😥😥 2y
13 likes1 comment
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Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

"The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

quote
Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Started reading this #nonfiction book about a Carnegie Mellon professor's legacy who was dying of cancer.

10 likes1 stack add
review
QueenJ
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

When your life flashes before you and you know the deadline, you write a book reminding others to appreciate everything in it.

review
zurazureen
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
Pickpick

A story about lecturer on how to live, let go of your ego and what legacy you want to leave behind.

3 likes1 stack add
review
Riveted_Reader_Melissa
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Mehso-so

This one is a great memoir, and a great legacy to leave his children. Some of his advice and wisdom are great nuggets for everyone. But I couldn‘t help thinking after having read a few of these type of books over the years (When Breath Becomes Air, Tuesday‘s With Morrie) that he comes off as very privileged and arrogant, he admits to both in his story too, but it made the first half of the book harder to read, I almost DNF‘ed, but the rest was ⤵️

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ got better. It was definitely at its best later in the book when he was speaking more directly to his children, and things he wanted them to know. But I couldn‘t help siding with his wife Jai, that he could have left videos for them during his last months and didn‘t necessarily need to write and deliver a great speech with his remaining time. I‘ll tag the other two books I mentioned below for anyone interested.⤵️ (edited) 4y
See All 13 Comments
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Posting those makes me wonder if this is a man thing, leaving your last wisdom in print for all to read, a legacy thing....I can‘t think of any death memoirs by women off the top of my head....any recommendations? (edited) 4y
TiminCalifornia Interesting review/reflections. Thanks for sharing! 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @TiminCalifornia You‘re welcome. It was a hard review to write, knowing the motivation for the story (leaving something for his very young children) and his prognosis. But some stories about being able to push through any brick wall because it is meant to keep other people out, not you (basically don‘t give up, be persistent) came across as very white, moneyed, male privilege advice. If he‘d even phrased it as “don‘t give up” in your dreams, ⤵️ 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa ... it might have come across as less entitled. Other odd advice, like keep $200 cash in your wallet all the time, just in case...because if it‘s lost or stolen that‘s way less serious than coming across a situation where you need cash emergently and don‘t have it just struck me as not helpful advice for everyone. 4y
GingerAntics I actually watched his Last Lecture. It was quite good delivered that way. At one point I had the book, but I never got to read it. He did the lecture because it was a series his university was doing at the time. It just so happened he was actually dying, most of the people weren‘t. In that he said he was doing videos for his kids, too. 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @GingerAntics I need to look that up and watch it this weekend. His book covers the lecture, but also the led up to it. Moving with his wife, talking to their counselor (terminal illness family counselor) about how he could back out of the talk but really wanted to give it, how his wife was again at it, she wanted him to spend that time with his family....etc...there‘s the essence of the lecture, but more backstory etc. He jokes at one point⤵️ 4y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ that Jai could write a book called “The Last Lecture... let me tell you what really happened”. I saw she‘s written a book since, not sure if I‘ll check it out or not. 4y
GingerAntics @Riveted_Reader_Melissa he makes that joke in the lecture too, I think. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 4y
60 likes13 comments
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Neesay
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

I have an engineering problem.
While for the most part I'm in terrific physical shape, I have ten tumours in my liver and I have only a few months left to live.

3 likes1 stack add
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StephanieGeiser
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

“Experience is what you get when you didn‘t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”

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StephanieGeiser
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

“Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won‘t make us happier.”

11 likes1 stack add
review
candority
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Panpan

I‘m glad that this is a powerful book for a lot of people, but it just didn‘t offer me much. The more I read, the more I couldn‘t help but notice Pausch‘s privilege and how he came across as entitled and self-absorbed? I have no doubt that he worked hard for his achievements, but he also got incredibly lucky and I wish that had been acknowledged more. ⬇️

candority My 2-star rating is only a reflection of the book, not the author – it seems like Pausch was a wonderful professor, husband and father. Another #bookspinbingo book. 4y
MaNoo I went into this book with much hope. But it miserably failed me as my ex did. 😞 4y
candority Sorry to hear that @MaNoo 4y
84 likes3 comments
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LadyJade
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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#TBRPile Day 8

Posting 1 unread (or book put into hibernation) per day for 31 days. No reason or explanation. Creating a priority TBR.

@StaceyKondla

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JacqMac
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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#7days7books Day 1: Seven books that have left a deep impression and changed me.
Thanks for the tag @Chrissyreadit
Please play along. I would love to see your choices.

review
janyfcn
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

Truly inspiring!

3 likes1 stack add
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jen_hayes7
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Kicking off 2020 in the most perfect way. My cuddle buddy, a book and some tea. Could do without the head cold, but at least I‘m cozy. Happy New Year, Littens!! #lennox #catsoflitsy

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MotionChickness
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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My top five for the year 😊 Rated on what made me reflect the most on my life, amount of tears cried, and how warm and fuzzy I felt afterwards. (Cabin at the End of the World more so left me shook... which is also good 🤣)

#2019 #topfive

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Lazy_Day_Reads
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

Next book I‘m starting.

SassyBookworm Such a good book! Enjoy! 5y
Lazy_Day_Reads @SassyBookworm Thank you! Looking forward to it! 5y
rather_be_reading welcome to litsy 📚☕📚 @LitsyWelcomeWagon 5y
LitsyWelcomeWagon Welcome to Litsy! Here are links to #Litsytips: http://bit.ly/litsytips and #LitsyHowTo videos: goo.gl/UrCpoU. There‘s lots of fun things to do: book exchanges, buddy reads, photo challenges and more! #litsywelcomewagon 5y
Eggs Welcome to Litsy 🥳🎈 5y
6 likes1 stack add5 comments
review
dustys_bookshelf
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

I had to read this book in high school but I chose to read it again as an adult and I still think it is a book that everyone should read.

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Chars
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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A life well-lived can be many things. Watching Randy Pausch‘s last lecture you see it as lived deliberately, with intention and with spark. Watch it in its original form here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

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TeachEm
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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“It‘s not helpful if we spend every day dreading tomorrow.”

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Vivlio_Gnosi
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Adding this to my #TBR stack.

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TheSpineView
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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jb72 That lecture and book were actually pretty good. I was surprised. 5y
62 likes1 comment
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candority
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Hi everyone! I‘m sorry I‘ve been MIA for the last week, but I have exciting news! I just moved to a new city to start my Master of Library and Information Science degree! I had my orientation today and I think it will be a great program with a good bunch of people 🤗

I‘m obviously going to be busy with school for the foreseeable future, so I only brought a few books (and my Kobo) with me. I can‘t wait to start this next chapter of my life 👩‍🏫

SW-T Congrats! Hope all goes well. Sounds like exciting times ahead 😊 6y
TheLibrarian Congrats and good luck!! 6y
wanderinglynn Congrats! 6y
See All 25 Comments
AmyG Good luck! Wishing you much success. 6y
mreads Congratulations! And I love the bookends😍 6y
wordslinger42 Congratulations! Praying your studies go well! 💜 6y
WhatWouldJaneDo Congratulations! Also those are wonderful bookends. 6y
janeycanuck Congrats! Hope you enjoy your studies 🙂 6y
Clwojick Congratulations! And I LOVEEEEE the whale bookends. 😍😍😍 6y
Reggie Woohoo!!! Congrats & Good luck!!! 6y
TheSpineView All the best! 6y
Eyelit How exciting - congrats!! 🎉 6y
Suet624 Congratulations! 6y
ClairesReads Congrats! I love your book ends 😍 6y
erzascarletbookgasm Congrats and best wishes! 6y
minkyb Best of luck! 6y
Crazeedi Congrats! I would get my masters in that if I were a bit younger, good luck, enjoy every minute of the hard work ahead!! 6y
candority @Crazeedi Thank you so much! You‘re never too old to pursue a dream! There are lots of older people in the program! 6y
sudi Congratulations and good luck 😊 6y
Kalalalatja Best of luck to you! 6y
candority Thank you @sudi and @Kalalalatja 😊💕 5y
MrBook Ah haaaah, my patience in scrolling paid off 😆! Love your endeavor! 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 You‘re going to make this world an even better place than you‘ve already made it. 😎🙌🏻 5y
candority @MrBook Ahaha I was just going to reply to your other comment, then I read this one! Thank you, that‘s so sweet 😊😭 5y
106 likes25 comments
review
bewareofwords
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

Day 1 for the #maymakeup challenge. I was not expecting to start out this strong, but I‘ll take any head-start I can get!
I finished The Last Lecture. It was short but thought-provoking, and it had an enormous energy and drive to it that I admired. I also decided to try the #bookishbingo this month, so I‘ll be using this book for Character in Therapy (it‘s probably a stretch, but I‘m counting chemotherapy).
Other two books shown are in progress!

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ShannonColleen
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Some days you just have to take a nice hot bath and read 🙌 #Selfcare #bookandbath

blueboy Books & legs🥰 4y
36 likes1 comment
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ShannonColleen
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Hey, Litsy! It has been a hot second... My life these days consists of continual reading for class. Currently working on this gem!

rretzler I‘ve heard about it but never read it. I would think it would be terribly sad. 6y
Tanisha_A @rretzler It is! :( But so well penned. 6y
44 likes2 comments
review
seydoggy
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

This is my second read through and I am going to recommend despite having read this with a more critical eye than I had 10 years ago. Now at 45 and clearly aware of the theme of mortality that starts to creep in to life — If I was truly leaving something for me kids at 6, 3, and 18 months, I'd have written a series of children's books, not a self help manual they wouldn't possibly read before their mid to late teens.

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Edecmcl
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
Mehso-so

Sad but good

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seydoggy
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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I first read The Last Lecture over 10 years ago and while I enjoyed it, I didn't really connect with the author. Now at 45 years old, reading it again, I am getting so much more out of it.

Jee_HookedOnBookz Glad you enjoy it the second time! 😊 Love your bookmark!! 😍😍 6y
38 likes1 comment
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TheBookbabeblog84
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
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The other day I quoted this very quote while talking about the power of faith and grace; especially in the face of loss and suffering. I just needed to share this powerful quote. #books #randypausch

19 likes2 stack adds
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Senteisu
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow

Experience is what you get when you didn‘t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer

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GatheringBooks
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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#QuotsyJan19 Day 10: Direct your #energy towards happier things. No whining. Friday is just around the corner.

Cinfhen Loved this book!! 6y
72 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
MotionChickness
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

I do not have enough words to show how much I appreciated this book. Randy Pausch must have been a stand up guy...And the life lessons he left behind for his kids are life lessons a lot of us could embrace. I laughed some but mostly cried my way through this book. We are early in the year, but I am certain this will be my book of the year.

24 likes2 stack adds
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TheBookbabeblog84
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Day 9: Favorite Book to give as a Gift.
I haven‘t given copies of The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch away a few times. It was written by a man who without really knowing it had lived out every dream he ever had in life. The book is a testament to living your best life...sadly he died a year or so after the book was published. I carry this book in my heart ♥️. #professionalbookworm #reader

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throwmeabook
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
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Congratulations @Moray_Reads on your milestone and thank you for this #bookschangelivesgiveaway !

Ten years ago my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Although his prognosis was good, our lives were turned upside down. Randy Pausch‘s unwavering positivity, love of life and family helped me get through those months. My mantra everyday is be present in every moment and cherish the gift of life.

Moray_Reads I'm sorry you and your husband had to go through that but I firmly believe that books (and loved ones) can help us through the most difficult times. Thank you for sharing your story ❤️ 6y
14 likes2 comments
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Suchethaaahh
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch
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This humorous anecdote by a man in his death bed, leaving behind a lovely wife and three kids!

#TheLastLecture
#RandyPaush
#xoxoAllTheWayFromIndia

35 likes2 stack adds
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Suchethaaahh
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch

"If you dispense your own wisdom, others often dismiss it; if you offer wisdom from a third party, it seems less arrogant and more acceptable"

RaimeyGallant So true! 6y
RaimeyGallant And welcome to Litsy! #LitsyWelcomeWagon Some of us put together Litsy tips to help new Littens navigate the site. It's the link in my bio on my page in case you need it. Or if you prefer how-to videos, @chelleo put some together at the link in her bio. @LitsyWelcomeWagon 6y
Suchethaaahh @RaimeyGallant Thank you Raimey, you have few great books in your list! 6y
See All 13 Comments
RaimeyGallant Thanks! 6y
Ericalambbrown Welcome to Litsy! Hope you have as much fun here as I do! 6y
DebinHawaii Welcome to Litsy! 🎉📚🎉Hope you enjoy it here. 6y
Suchethaaahh @Ericalambbrown Thank you Eric! I am enjoying every bit of it! 6y
Suchethaaahh @DebinHawaii Thank you Deb, Enjoying it! Sending Love to Max, he is a cutie! Cat + Book lover here 🙌 6y
tpixie Welcome to Litsy!!! ❤️📚❤️ This is a great place for Book Lovers! 6y
Suchethaaahh @tpixie Thank you Teri, I see that already, So many amazing people and so many many books! 6y
tpixie Lol yes!! 6y
BooknerdsLife @Suchethaaahh Welcome to Litsy🤗 💕 hope you enjoy this little community 🙌 6y
Libby1 Welcome to Litsy! ❤️📚❤️ 6y
24 likes13 comments
review
sb3626
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

I just finished this book for my book club at work and wow. Randy Pausch was an incredible man, he had an outlook on life that is inspiring and gives me hope that no matter the stage in life things will be okay and that it is important to always ask for dreams are possible.

14 likes2 stack adds
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crodriguez
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
Mehso-so

Its ok

review
Krisjericho
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Mehso-so

Well-intentioned. That is the best way to describe this. Pausch comes off as a guy it would have been hard to spend much time around. He was dealt a shitty hand & he handled it with optimism & practicality. He also had an huge amount of privilege that allowed him to be optimistic & practical. He seemed oblivious to other people‘s challenges. I didn‘t hate it, & I am of course saddened that he died so young, but I didn‘t find this earth-shattering.

tournevis What a relief! I thought I was the only one! 7y
37 likes1 stack add1 comment
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ephemeralwaltz
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Reposting this pretty pic from when I was reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch for today's #MarchInBooks #(auto)biography
I haven't read many biographies tbh but those I've read have been very insightful: Ellie Wiesel, Malala, Frederick Douglass...

@maich

59 likes1 stack add
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Rajiv2
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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One must have dream and dare to live it. That's the purpose of life, nothing more.

Kaye Welcome, and thank you for the follow. 🙂 7y
3 likes1 comment
review
Rajiv2
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Pickpick

The last lecture, a book about childhood dream and the way to realise it. What a book and what a life, earthly yet inspiring. The author talks about his last few months and how he decided to spend it. He focused on life than death. RIP Randy. You were one of a kind.

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BkClubCare
The last lecture | Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow
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Borrowing from a coworker. I will be moving desks soon. In the meantime, while waiting for my new cube walls, may I please just sit and read? Please?

Reecaspieces Well sure you can!! 7y
BkClubCare @Reecaspieces - aw, THANKS 7y
30 likes4 stack adds2 comments
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GoneFishing
Last Lecture | Randy Pausch

There's a lot of talk these days about giving children self-esteem. It's not something you can give; it's something they have to build.

31 likes1 stack add