LAST LECTURE

The Carnegie Mellon University had an academic tradition where top academics were invited to deliver a hypothetical ‘last lecture’. The speaker had to share the pick of his wisdom with the world as if it was his last chance! However in 2007, when Randy Pausch stood up to speak, it was no hypothetical situation as he was actually facing death!

A month before the lecture, Randy’s pancreatic cancer, after a year of surgery and chemotherapy, was confirmed to be terminal. However, in his ‘last lecture’, Randy shrugged off pity. He didn’t speak about death; he spoke about life and of living a more fulfilling life, by simply achieving childhood dreams. He offered insights from his childhood and important lessons he wanted his kids to learn. He reiterated the need to enjoy everything we do and to live life to its fullest before it ends.

On 25 July 2008, Randy succumbed to pancreatic cancer, but his book based on his last lecture continues to inspire. He said that he would rather have cancer than be hit by a bus. After all, if he died suddenly, he wouldn't have had the time to spend as much possible time with his family and getting their life ready for his death and beyond. Knowing that he was going to die resulted in enhancing his remaining life.

To be better at living the life that we really want to live, we must put together our ‘last lecture’… our thoughts, if we knew we had few days to live. We need to reconnect to our childhood dreams that lie hidden in the maze of complexities that are created by our desperate dash towards materialistic goals. When we envision our ‘last lecture’ and allow it to align with a mission, we will find true meaning to our lives.

Our last lecture can truly be our guiding mission…

To BE BETTER at living life in sync with our vision!

- Pravin K. Sabnis