Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" is an inspiring presentation

Randy Pausch said obstacles serve a purpose: They "give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

Confronted with incurable cancer, he devised a final lecture that became an Internet sensation, a best-selling book and a celebration of a life spent achieving his dreams.

Ten months after giving the lecture, Pausch died Friday at his home in Chesapeake, Va., said Jeffrey Zaslow, the Wall Street Journal writer who co-wrote Pausch's book "The Last Lecture." Pausch was 47.

Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006. A year later, he gave the popular 76-minute speech titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams."

A professor of computer science, human-computer interaction and design, Pausch was recognized as a pioneer of virtual reality research and became known on campus for his flamboyance and showmanship as a teacher and mentor. -press democrat

His opening with CT scans showing his 10 tumors is a compelling and provocative opening. "The elephant in the room" is a terrific metaphor for his cancer and impending death. "We can't change the hand we are dealt .." is also a nice metaphor.

His pushups are a way to show how fit he is to get the audience focused on his message. His self-deprecating humor "I guess you can tell the nerds early" is a nice touch. "The brick walls" metaphor is useful and provides a positive mental (Growth) mindset in regards to obstacles and rejection. He breaks the rules by telling his audience what he is "not going to talk about."

Highlights of his message as I re-watched his video:

• Getting something out of the things we do not accomplish - experience ( indirect learning or "head fake").
• Without the fundamentals, the fancy stuff won't work.
• Get a feedback loop, and listen to it.

Our condolences go out to Randy Pausch's family and friends. We are saddened by his loss, and deeply appreciate the opportunity to learn from his Last Lecture.

The Lecture Videos of Randy Pausch