The Last Lecture book cover

The Last Lecture is a book written based on the lecture “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” given by Randy Pausch to friends, colleagues, family and most of all to his kids. The interesting thing about this book is the finality of its message. Randy, the author, was giving what was traditionally a retirement lecture usually called a “last lecture” but for Randy it was far more than just a last lecture. You see Randy is not with us any longer having moved on from this life due to pancreatic cancer on July 25th 2008. I do regret not hearing this story sooner, I would have loved to meet this man.

The Last Lecture revolves around a central theme; what would we say if we had only one more opportunity to tell those we care about what we have learned and what knowledge we would like to pass on? This theme strikes me to the core as I, like many others, have had a close brush with an unexpected end. I echo many of the thoughts and ideas found in The Last Lecture, it is always refreshing to find a voice that makes you stop and say “YES that is how I have always felt I just didn’t know how to say it!” I only hope to be as eloquent in my delivery of this review.

The chapters in The Last Lecture unfold in a story telling format allowing the reader to see inside the events and circumstances surrounding the accomplishment of many of Randy’s dreams, this style makes the book a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. He uses this format to teach some great principals from a very humble perspective. Here are some of the little gems I loved from the book:

A question that I really liked (and it happens to be the premise of this book): What would you say if you had the chance to give a “Last Lecture”? This idea provokes some very powerful thought.

Randy had Parents who were supportive of his Dreams, how many of us have been dream killers? (Chapter 4, page 21: The Last Lecture)

On dealing with adversity “…the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it bad enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” (Chapter 16, page 73: The Last Lecture) Randy believes in the genius of the AND, not the tyranny of the OR (Good to Great reference, we’ll get to that review soon!). When forced with what seams like an either/or situation think outside the box and find a way to have it all.

Not everything has to be fixed! (Chapter 18, page 85: The Last Lecture)

Some great stuff from chapter 23 (page 107: The Last Lecture):

Time must be explicitly managed, like money.
You can always change your plan, but only if you have one.
Ask yourself: Are you spending your time on the right things?
Delegate
Take a time out, step back and look around

On the work environment- “I know you’re smart. But everyone here is smart. Smart isn’t enough. The kind of people I want on my research team are those who will help everyone else feel happy to be here.” (page 118: The Last Lecture)

Tips for Working Successfully in a Group (Chapter 35, page 142: The Last Lecture)

Meet people properly
Find things you have in common
Try for optimal meeting conditions
Let everyone talk
Check egos at the door!
Praise each other
Phrase alternatives as questions

There are many other amazing insights and I am trying not to give you a condensed version of the book (I almost did, I had to cut a bunch out) so go out and pick up “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch, it is a book to have on the shelf, one to pickup and read again every once in a while.

Take a look at the video of his actual Last Lecture below, it is a moving and inspiring piece.

http://www.thelastlecture.com/The Last Lecture

About Kyle

Kyle is the founder of ViewPointRGI.com and Brio. His focus here at Brio is on the creation of programs that help educate and inspire improvement in both individuals and organizations.