Analysis Of The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch

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Randy Pausch-Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams Prashant Malyala Randy Pausch was a professor of computer science who did pioneering work in human-computer interaction and virtual reality at Carnegie Mellon University. The Last Lecture which covered a variety of topics was a whimsical and impassioned speech given by Dr. Pausch truly reflecting his courage and leadership. The talk is summarized in the following paragraphs along with comparisons to the Kouzes and Posner Leadership model, and how I can take back these strong life guiding principles and put them to practice in my own life. The talk is about the importance of overcoming obstacles, enabling the dreams of others and of truly enjoying every single moment of life. The talk follows a sequence of events starting from the childhood dreams of Dr. Pausch reflecting his self-awareness as he talks about various life lessons learnt, and how one’s life is shaped and molded by various life experiences both good and bad. Dr. Pausch lists his childhood dreams and takes the audience through what he learnt from each of those in dreams in either achieving them or failing to achieve them while trying. Some of his dreams include experiencing zero gravity, publishing articles in the World Book Encyclopedia and winning stuffed animals in theme parks, which he does achieve in life and talks about the sense of accomplishment and the pride one takes in achieving something you always wanted as a child. For example when his research team submitted a proposal for the ‘Vomit Comet’ project at NASA , Dr. Pausch discovered that only students are allowed to experience zero gravity part of the program. Nevertheless he relentlessly pursues to challenge the process while ensuring innovative ... ... middle of paper ... ... the Entertainment Technology Center knowing that he himself had a large part to play in its success. Dr. Pausch mentions that every individual will show his good side if we wait patiently and that no individual is pure evil. I think this is a something I can truly apply in my life, as I am a person who forms an opinion about someone very quickly and find it very difficult to change that in due course of time. Also the concept of brick walls in life being there to show dedication and make you obstinate is something I will remember in life moving forward. This lecture given by Dr. Pausch truly displays courage, appreciation for life and the very simple concept of ‘work hard and have fun doing it’ which results in a great success. A very tearful watch but delivers a strong life message and caused me to reflect back at my own life and see things in positive light.

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