The Last Lecture - Leaving a Legacy Behind

A few days ago, Randy Pausch passed away. He became an Internet viral video sensation with his "The Last Lecture."  Historically, the last lecture is one given by a Carnegie Mellon professor each year designed to answer the hypothetical question, if you were about to die and had a chance to give only a final last lecture, what would you say?

As fate would have it, Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer before giving this lecture, so it in fact was his "last lecture." It was recorded and made its way to the Internet where it was circulated around the world as an inspirational talk.

I've included it here in case you didn't see Diane Sawyer's one hour special on "The Last Lecture," or it didn't pass through your email in box from a friend.

The Last Lecture

In the trail of his worldwide fame, Randy Pausch decided to invest the time in his final days writing a book also titled The Last Lecture. Selfishly, I am so glad he did. I ordered the book and can keep it on my shelf to always remind myself of the life lessons he shared.

Reportedly, he received a $6 million advance on the book, providing financially for his wife and three children (all under 6 years of age) even though he won't be around. I imagine the money didn't hurt, but suspect the opportunity to leave his legacy behind in print was a big draw.

He has always said "The Last Lecture" was intended to be a guide to life for his children, something they could turn to when their dad was no longer there. I imagine his book takes that idea one step further.

Amazingly, he left his legacy behind, got the financial stuff taken care of for his family (at the very last minute, no less), and seemed to live his life to the fullest.

He may not have lived a very long life, but he sure did live it well.