Comments on: Randy Pausch’s ‘Last Lecture’

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:42:22 +0000

I just watched the Last Lecture (and listened to the podcast version of On Point). I guess I’m going to get booed or something because my reaction was: That’s it? That’s the famous last lecture? A list of simplistic platitudes and hokey sayings and a boring biography? I thought we were over all this a decade ago with the All I Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarter books.

Is it very sad that Prof Pausch had an aweful diagnosis and that he died? Absolutely. Is it a tragedy for his family? You betcha.

But evaluating the lecture (as well as the On Point show), I have to say it’s disappointing and pretty empty. Nothing new or interesting was said in either. Can it be inspirational? Sure, I guess. Go to a children’s cancer ward and inspiration is a dime a dozen there too. But I just found it a little too self-helpy and trite.

By: Georgia Weithe

Georgia Weithe — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:02:34 +0000

I am so happy Randy Pausch has given a new face to death and dying, as well as life and living. Thanks to him, many people will find the courage to face the fact that death is a part of life. When we accept that life doesn’t go on forever, every day becomes more precious.

When I was accompanying my father on his end-of-life journey, I learned that death is a teacher and a friend. Three things death taught me about living are:
*Live your life so you have no regrets
*Acknowledge the presence of those you love and honor your spouse or partner, your children and your friends because you may not have another day to improve the quality of your relationships
*Admit to yourself that life is fleeting and all things as we know them will come to an end; then out of the awareness of the endings, create new beginnings.

I’d like to share my positive thoughts about facing death with others at http://www.shiningmoments.net.

Thank you for this wonderful show, and keeping Randy’s uplifting message alive.

By: ACM

ACM — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:35:15 +0000

Thank you for covering Dr. Pausch’s work on this program.

Will you make this episode available on iTunes podcast?

Thanks!

By: Whitney Johnson

Whitney Johnson — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:32:57 +0000

What an excellent interview today. I tuned in during the last half hour, and found myself riveted. Not only by the story, but Jane Clayson’s masterful ability to draw out the story. It was a moving few moments — thank you to NPR, Jane Clayson, and Mr. Zazlow.

My best,
Whitney Johnson

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:54:59 +0000

This was an exceptional show and like Janice said above, Jane Clayson did an outstanding job of letting the story tell itself but also allowing us to understand that she was and is emotionally moved by it.

I had seen the video on youTube but this show gave so much more context to the story. Well done.

By: Janice

Janice — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:18:36 +0000

This is an appreciation to both journalists on today’s On Point – Mr. Jeffrey Zaslow for his ingenuity in capturing Prof. Pauch’s brilliant and inspiring final months and to Ms. Jane Clayson for her empathetic interview.

Ms. Clayson consistently respects the intelligence of the On Point audience by asking the right questions, and then getting out of the way to allow the guest to respond.

It is refreshing to hear the host LISTEN.

Thanks to all on the radio and behind the scenes for this program. It makes a difference.

Best,
Janice

By: Sherry Nurre

Sherry Nurre — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:31:19 +0000

I was looking for the exact words or actual clip of Mr. Pausch who is talking about his family standing over the edge of a cliff (& after he dies) who is going to be there to help them. I heard this on the XM radio this morning on On Point. I work for a non profit support center for grieving children in Tucson, AZ. (www.tunidito.org). I was wondering if I could propose to Tu Nidito to use this clip or quote because we are there for those families after a death loss to help them. We offer evening support groups for children & their families who have a parent with cancer. And also support groups for children who have a loved one die. And also for children with a serious illness.

He is so profound! And I think his powerful, healing words could help us. I would also love to get his book to put in our library.

What an inspiring man! I really enjoyed my 45 min drive to work today. Amazing how just simple words can really touch and inspire…and more importantly live on
to help others. I can’t wait to read the book!

My heart goes out to his family & all who knew him.

Gratefully,
Sherry Nurre
Tu Nidito Children and Family Services
3922 N. Mountain Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719

By: Aline Da Fonseca

Aline Da Fonseca — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:45:07 +0000

I believe the most beautiful part of Randy’s legacy was the example he gave of the human spirit. Though his body failed him, his spirit and the love he had for his family can still be felt in such a tremendous way. His legacy I believe for many people will be that our ability to live and feel love and provide love through the toughest moments in our lives, is one of,if not the most powerful actions we as humans can partake in.

By: Jim Mars

Jim Mars — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:27:56 +0000

Listening to Randy Pausch’s lecture in which he cites the strong positive influence of his Brown professor Andy Van Dam, bestirred me to contact Professor Van Dam after 40 years to tell him how taking just one course from him gave me a strong foundation and interest in computers which supported my work in urban and regional planning. And that his inspiring teaching ways, interesting lab and course assignments, have stayed with me, and hopefully influenced how I taught hundreds of planning students here at Ryerson University
in Toronto.

Andy was delighted to hear from me and how his work in computer science had spread out into another field.