An Extraordinary Guy Who Inspired MillionsRandy Pausch, the computer science professor who rose to fame after giving a quirky last lecture about celebrating life in the face of his terminal cancer, died Friday 25th July 2008.
The 47-year-old died at his home in Chesapeake, Va., according to Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow, who helped launch Pausch to fame after writing about the speech — which also garnered widespread attention when it was posted on video sharing site YouTube.
He was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer in September 2006.
A year later, Pausch took part in a lecture series at the university that saw professors give hypothetical final talks and speak about what mattered mostto them.
* Randy Pausch's "final" lecture was given on 18 September 2007 at Carnegie Mellon University. Here are some highlights:
* "It's wonderful to be here. What they didn't tell you is that this lecture series used to be called 'The Last Lecture'. If you had one last lecture to give before you died, what would it be? I thought, damn, I finally nailed the venue and they renamed it."
* "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
* "How do you get people to help you? By telling the truth. Being earnest.
* "Apologise when you screw up and focus on other people, not on yourself. .
* "Remember, brick walls let us show our dedication. They are there to
separate us from the people who don't really want to achieve their dreams. *Don't bail. The best of the gold's at the bottom of barrels of crap."
* "Show gratitude.
* "Don't complain. Just work harder
* "Work hard.
* "Find the best in everybody. You might have to wait a long time, but people will show you their good side. Just keep waiting, it will come out. And be prepared. Luck is truly where preparation meets opportunity."
