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September 28, 2007 11:19 AM

Randy Pausch And "The Last Lecture"

Posted by Steve Hartman
(CBS)
Steve Hartman is a correspondent for CBS News based in New York.
Tonight's Assignment America is so special, 've asked if I can tell the same story every month 'til further notice.

Seriously. I'm not sure it'll happen, but if it does, we're all in for some tremendously powerful television.

The story is about a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His name is Randy Pausch and he's one of the foremost authorities on virtual reality. Not long ago he was asked to give a "last lecture." "Last lectures" have become popular on college campuses. It's where the professor speaks as if he's dying and has one last chance to convey all his most important wisdom to his students. It was a painfully simple assignment for Randy.

He IS dying.

Randy has pancreatic cancer which has now spread to his liver. I asked him if he would be around for Christmas. He said, "50/50". I asked, "Father's Day?". He said, "I wouldn't buy me anything.". It was a rare somber moment. Until you start talking about his three small children or his wife, Randy is able to stay remarkably upbeat. In his lecture at Carnegie Mellon he started by announcing that he'd experienced a death bed conversion - paused -smirked - and said, "I bought a Macintosh." The place errupted.

In my story tonight I'll have more of the speech along with an interview I did with Randy while his kids were napping earlier this week.

Understandably, Randy wants to spend as much quality time with his kids as possible. But he is also a teacher and he has so much wisdom to share. More now than ever. Facing imminent death seems to have crystalized that wisdom. His lecture has already been downloaded nearly a million times by people all over the world. And most everyone has found inspiration.
I can't possibly tell you everything I want to tell you about Randy in this short blog. Tonight's story will be equally lacking. Which is why I've asked Katie and our other executives here at CBS if I can visit with Randy every few weeks for as long as he has to live. They have agreed. Randy is thinking about it - although he cautioned me to be careful what I wish for. "Death can get ugly," he said.

Maybe, but I think he's got more than enough life to shine through.
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Add a Comment See all 42 Comments
by mgarveyjr September 28, 2007 12:32 PM PDT
You are a lucky man, and this is a great idea. I am glad that we''ll get to know him better, even for a short time...I had a brief but indelible e-mail exchange with Dr. Pausch several years ago on the subject of teamwork amongst artists and scientists AND stuffed animals. I wish I had made the time to meet him--now you will give us that gift.
Reply to this comment
by gmamas September 28, 2007 7:15 PM PDT
May God be with you, You look very strong, which is good for other who don''t know how to do it.... Know that you can be here as long as God want you to. Remember God Loves you and so do I. Marilyn in Suwanee, GA God Bless
Reply to this comment
by stardust59-2009 September 28, 2007 7:17 PM PDT
I just saw the item onf Dr. Pausch and it was absolutely incredible! I am really at a loss for words -- and for me, that''s really saying something! smile Thank you for sharing his story and I''m now off to listen to the rest of his "last lecture"... Amazing...
Reply to this comment
by a70131 September 28, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
Randy,
My prayers are with you and your family. At 42 we don''t think about our lives ending and leaving our family at a time when we should be just starting to live it. Our lives are so fragile, but we do have a hope and that hope is in Christ Jesus. If you haven''t embraced him yet, I would pray now that you would. The promise he gives is for eternity, much longer than your 42 years. God Bless
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by darla466 September 28, 2007 7:22 PM PDT
Please can you give me Dr. Pausch''s e-mail or web address? I just lost my 45-year old sister to pancreatic cancer 2 months ago. His story is such an inspiration. I hope he agrees to go along with you checking in with him every month. My heart goes to him and his family.
Reply to this comment
by darla466 September 28, 2007 7:24 PM PDT
Please can you give me Dr. Pausch''s e-mail or web address? I just lost my 45-year old sister to pancreatic cancer 2 months ago. His story is such an inspiration. I hope he agrees to go along with you checking in with him every month. My heart goes to him and his family.
Reply to this comment
by sdlaur September 28, 2007 7:27 PM PDT
I am sure your family is going to carry this gift you are giving them for the rest of they''re lives. I can say just from what I saw this eve, I will. You are an inspiration to those who might have a diagnosis such as your own, and also the families of those who have this type of challenge. I do want to say though, do not let anyone tell you when you are going to die. I have helped many older folks with terminal illnesses, when I worked in home health who were told they were going to die and they were given approximate times. The clients who let this rule with them did so about the time they were told, there were those also that didn''t allow that to rule and went on with life and one I know lived for several more years, and he was told he was not going to live more than a year or so. He was a man I cared for. I spoke with him alot about this and he told me something that has stuck with me, he said"do not ever let A DR tell you when you are going to die" I also will carry that with me always. He lived with some difficulty, but with grace, and he had many more good memories with his loved ones, and so I also personally hope that i can be as brave one day. I can say I might not have what you seem to have that you are leaving for inspiration, but I will be lucky to have even one ounce of it from just watching your story. Thank you for that.
May God bless and Keep you, and may your family be strong as you help each other through this all.
Laurie

Reply to this comment
by sdlaur September 28, 2007 7:28 PM PDT
I am sure your family is going to carry this gift you are giving them for the rest of they''re lives. I can say just from what I saw this eve, I will. You are an inspiration to those who might have a diagnosis such as your own, and also the families of those who have this type of challenge. I do want to say though, do not let anyone tell you when you are going to die. I have helped many older folks with terminal illnesses, when I worked in home health who were told they were going to die and they were given approximate times. The clients who let this rule with them did so about the time they were told, there were those also that didn''t allow that to rule and went on with life and one I know lived for several more years, and he was told he was not going to live more than a year or so. He was a man I cared for. I spoke with him alot about this and he told me something that has stuck with me, he said"do not ever let A DR tell you when you are going to die" I also will carry that with me always. He lived with some difficulty, but with grace, and he had many more good memories with his loved ones, and so I also personally hope that i can be as brave one day. I can say I might not have what you seem to have that you are leaving for inspiration, but I will be lucky to have even one ounce of it from just watching your story. Thank you for that.
May God bless and Keep you, and may your family be strong as you help each other through this all.
Laurie

Reply to this comment
by sdlaur September 28, 2007 7:28 PM PDT
I am sure your family is going to carry this gift you are giving them for the rest of they''re lives. I can say just from what I saw this eve, I will. You are an inspiration to those who might have a diagnosis such as your own, and also the families of those who have this type of challenge. I do want to say though, do not let anyone tell you when you are going to die. I have helped many older folks with terminal illnesses, when I worked in home health who were told they were going to die and they were given approximate times. The clients who let this rule with them did so about the time they were told, there were those also that didn''t allow that to rule and went on with life and one I know lived for several more years, and he was told he was not going to live more than a year or so. He was a man I cared for. I spoke with him alot about this and he told me something that has stuck with me, he said"do not ever let A DR tell you when you are going to die" I also will carry that with me always. He lived with some difficulty, but with grace, and he had many more good memories with his loved ones, and so I also personally hope that i can be as brave one day. I can say I might not have what you seem to have that you are leaving for inspiration, but I will be lucky to have even one ounce of it from just watching your story. Thank you for that.
May God bless and Keep you, and may your family be strong as you help each other through this all.
Laurie

Reply to this comment
by sdlaur September 28, 2007 7:33 PM PDT
I am sure your family is going to carry this gift you are giving them for the rest of they''re lives. I can say just from what I saw this eve, I will. You are an inspiration to those who might have a diagnosis such as your own, and also the families of those who have this type of challenge. I do want to say though, do not let anyone tell you when you are going to die. I have helped many older folks with terminal illnesses, when I worked in home health who were told they were going to die and they were given approximate times. The clients who let this rule with them did so about the time they were told, there were those also that didn''t allow that to rule and went on with life and one I know lived for several more years, and he was told he was not going to live more than a year or so. He was a man I cared for. I spoke with him alot about this and he told me something that has stuck with me, he said"do not ever let A DR tell you when you are going to die" I also will carry that with me always. He lived with some difficulty, but with grace, and he had many more good memories with his loved ones, and so I also personally hope that i can be as brave one day. I can say I might not have what you seem to have that you are leaving for inspiration, but I will be lucky to have even one ounce of it from just watching your story. Thank you for that.
May God bless and Keep you, and may your family be strong as you help each other through this all.
Laurie

Reply to this comment
by sdlaur September 28, 2007 7:33 PM PDT
I am sure your family is going to carry this gift you are giving them for the rest of they''re lives. I can say just from what I saw this eve, I will. You are an inspiration to those who might have a diagnosis such as your own, and also the families of those who have this type of challenge. I do want to say though, do not let anyone tell you when you are going to die. I have helped many older folks with terminal illnesses, when I worked in home health who were told they were going to die and they were given approximate times. The clients who let this rule with them did so about the time they were told, there were those also that didn''t allow that to rule and went on with life and one I know lived for several more years, and he was told he was not going to live more than a year or so. He was a man I cared for. I spoke with him alot about this and he told me something that has stuck with me, he said"do not ever let A DR tell you when you are going to die" I also will carry that with me always. He lived with some difficulty, but with grace, and he had many more good memories with his loved ones, and so I also personally hope that i can be as brave one day. I can say I might not have what you seem to have that you are leaving for inspiration, but I will be lucky to have even one ounce of it from just watching your story. Thank you for that.
May God bless and Keep you, and may your family be strong as you help each other through this all.
Laurie

Reply to this comment
by cyphon2003 September 28, 2007 7:36 PM PDT
Your story must inspire all to keep going with pride and honor, without any regrets. Happiness and beautifull moments to remember. Thank you for your existance and love for life. God Bless you. Ernestina
Reply to this comment
by ericmichael1 September 28, 2007 7:54 PM PDT
A touching story. Steve, you did a good job here. One day each of us will face death. I hope that I have as much courage as Randy and his family.

Eric
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by lindahawk September 28, 2007 7:59 PM PDT
Randy you are truly an inspiration and someone to look up to. It is obvious that you LOVE life with your entire being and I want you to live too! You are a beautiful person who is full of spirit and your memory will go on forever! We need more people like you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers with hope that a miracle will happen for you. Your spirit and positive attitute is truly remarkable!

I hope that you agree to allow us to a part of the life that you have left. Sure death can be ugly, but I have a feeling that for you it will not be that way. I hope that you can inspire more people to be more like you in their life. For all of us our lives are just too short and we never know if we have tomorrow and for many of us we never prepare for our ending and have the chance to say goodbye and leave this world touched by something special as you are.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!
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by tatboy1956 September 28, 2007 8:22 PM PDT
Steve, this one that i saw was you at your best, what you was a specail person to tell this story..let cbs know that we the people want you...Steve Hartman to keep us knowing that Randy is still doing great....This is the time when we need you, you have told us about Randy...Let Randy know that we care, and I will pray for him and his family..
Glenn T
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by dodo24-2009 September 28, 2007 8:27 PM PDT
I know people who have been cured from pancreatic cancer...people who were sent home to die. Do not give up. If you can and want, e-mail me and I will give you contacts: martineaniddam@aol.com
Reply to this comment
by catfish570 September 28, 2007 8:45 PM PDT
i wish my father could have seen astory like this before he died.he died from pancreatic cancer.the doctor gave him 6 months to a year to live. he did not last 3 months.if he would have seen a story like this,he may have lived that one year anyway,even though he was ate up with the cancer.h would not have given up so easily,if he saw a story like this one.
Reply to this comment
by catfish570 September 28, 2007 8:46 PM PDT
steve your story made me cry.
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 28, 2007 8:48 PM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 28, 2007 8:51 PM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 28, 2007 8:52 PM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 28, 2007 8:54 PM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 28, 2007 9:02 PM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by artsmarttv September 28, 2007 10:42 PM PDT
I''m absolutely delighted that Steve Hartman has been given the green light to keep us updated down the road. I''ll be watching.

And here''s hoping (and praying) that Randy Pausch pulls a "Stephen Hawking" on us, and hangs in there for many years to come ... for the good of us all.
Reply to this comment
by Harrity September 29, 2007 12:27 AM PDT
A truly inspiring story about an inspiring person whose passion for living shines through even under these tragic circumstances? The story reminded me of Dylan Thomas''s great poem "Do not go gentle into that good night". Thank you, Randy Pausch,for your courage and wisdom which will live on through your family and friends and all those you touched through your work and your "last lecture." And thank you, CBS for bringing it to your viewers...
Reply to this comment
by seagull601 September 29, 2007 2:35 AM PDT
When I was a teenager I lived up the street from Dr. Pausch. I can say that he was a childhood friend. When he was 15 years old he amazed me with his ability to solve very difficult math equations. Even at that age he was considered a genius. Although I have not seen his family for several years, my mother still stays in contact with his mother. My thoughts go out to him, his wife, and children. My prayers go out to his mother, and sister, who just recently lost the elderly Mr. Pausch to cancer.
Reply to this comment
by seagull601 September 29, 2007 2:36 AM PDT
When I was a teenager I lived up the street from Dr. Pausch. I can say that he was a childhood friend. When he was 15 years old he amazed me with his ability to solve very difficult math equations. Even at that age he was considered a genius. Although I have not seen his family for several years, my mother still stays in contact with his mother. My thoughts go out to him, his wife, and children. My prayers go out to his mother, and sister, who just recently lost the elderly Mr. Pausch to cancer.
Reply to this comment
by mailmom16 September 29, 2007 10:15 AM PDT
I would love to purchase a DVD of Randys entire lecture. I am not sure how to do it, I am a technotard, so I cant even burn a copy, could someone help me out. Thanks linseyr16@swdcs.net
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by lewiston14 September 29, 2007 6:47 PM PDT
Mailmom: I spent the entire day recording that wonderfull lecture. I spent the rest of the day turning it into first a .avi file of almost 8 gig then found the best way to compress it onto a DVD without losing quality. I now have a master copy in DVD format. If you can not get it ill send you one. Only catch $1 for the disk and between $2 to $3 for shipping. Normal rates for the US. Im not in it for profit. The talk was just so great. I have seen it 8 times now and every time I watch it I get something more out of it. Write if you cant make your own copy.
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by aprofessor September 29, 2007 7:52 PM PDT
As a college professor myself (and close to Randy''s age), his speech struck a cord with me on several levels. I am amazed by the person he is. I am writing this comment however, to ask that Steve, and the news media in general, NOT PERSUE Randy for follow-ups on his condition. I would consider such follow-ups to be a form of grotesque voyeurism into a very private process (death). Randy''s public lecture was a gift to us all. I would prefer to pray for him and his family and remember him for that experience. He has precious little time left. This time should be for himself and his family, and not for scrutiny by the masses. PLEASE LET HIM CONTINUE HIS LIFE IN PEACE AND PRIVACY. We can always check his website should HE wish to make more about his situation known. Thanks.
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by ericmichael1 September 29, 2007 7:57 PM PDT
PURSUE, "Professor"...

I figure that Randy would not have gone public in the first place if he were that worried about the privacy issue, but I am sure that he will make that known to all if it is his will.
Reply to this comment
by masontp September 29, 2007 11:42 PM PDT
Seagull601 - Thank you for your kind words about my brother. Losing my dad and now my brother goes beyond the definition of difficult. I''m trying to figure out who you might be. masontp@lcsedu.net
Reply to this comment
by masontp September 29, 2007 11:43 PM PDT
Seagull601 - Thank you for your kind words about my brother. Losing my dad and now my brother goes beyond the definition of difficult. I''m trying to figure out who you might be. masontp@lcsedu.net
Reply to this comment
by beenabawa September 30, 2007 12:42 AM PDT
Randy''s story is very close to my heart. I recently lost my 15 year old daughter in my arm to cancer. Yes, all the wisdom just somehow comes together, when these people know they have limited time.
It breaks my heart, there are no words to describe it....it is so said that very little is being done to ''wage a war on cancer'', instead we have spent $600B on "other" things....if had spent $600B on cancer research....Randy would not be going at 46 leaving his young children behind...wake up people do something...do not watch another good soul leave us.....www.peaceisthecure.org
beena
Reply to this comment
by beenabawa September 30, 2007 12:55 AM PDT
hello Randy,
I understand how you might be feeling. I recntly lost my 15 year old daughter to cancer in my arms. President Nixon had declared war on cancer long time ago. than other presidents forgot about it . They got involved with other wars. so now humanity is going to lose another great soul in untimely manner. Wake up people, get mad, demand more cancer researc so people like Randy can have a chance at life. My daughter did not live to be 16. Check out www.peaceisthcure.org
Raandy, saying that you are in my prayers seems hollow, if prayers worked, why would you be in this situation in the first place. why would i lose my daughter at 15. Sorry to all the prayer kind, but it does not work....
i am very sad ....
beena
Reply to this comment
by beenabawa September 30, 2007 12:56 AM PDT
hello Randy,
I understand how you might be feeling. I recntly lost my 15 year old daughter to cancer in my arms. President Nixon had declared war on cancer long time ago. than other presidents forgot about it . They got involved with other wars. so now humanity is going to lose another great soul in untimely manner. Wake up people, get mad, demand more cancer researc so people like Randy can have a chance at life. My daughter did not live to be 16. Check out www.peaceisthcure.org
Raandy, saying that you are in my prayers seems hollow, if prayers worked, why would you be in this situation in the first place. why would i lose my daughter at 15. Sorry to all the prayer kind, but it does not work....
i am very sad ....
beena
Reply to this comment
by satara11 September 30, 2007 1:29 AM PDT
That was the most phenomenal speech I have ever hear. My heart goes out to Randy, his family, and friends.
lewiston14, I would love to get a copy of the dvd from you. please contact me. Thanks 7willows@centurytel.net
Reply to this comment
by lewiston14 September 30, 2007 8:03 AM PDT
Satara: I would love to send you a copy. Remember while the visual and sound quality is very good you might see my curser along an edge. Im not a pro at doing this stuff but do know how to do it. I did it quickley befoure my source would no longer be there. If myy ips gave me alttle more room I could just post it up as an .iso file and you could burn your own disc i could also post it as an .avi and .wmv file where you just go in and click what you want and it downloads. I just don''t have the site room. One question I have to ask of you forum users is this allowed? I don''t want to get in trouble. My copy was a straight up full screen capture that took hours to reassemble. This was no cheap program so the quality is very good but the catch is it creates a very huge file to work with. There is where all the hours of transcoading came from. IMHO the networks should have made this lecture avaiable for down load to everyone that wanted it but they did not. I just finished up 7 months of cancer treatment and they its gone but you really never know. Satara you will get an email.
Reply to this comment
by switzms September 30, 2007 10:50 AM PDT
Randy''s inspiring thoughts reflect his love of life and his passion for others to appreciate life to the fullest. How can I acquire a copy of the lecture?
Reply to this comment
by lewiston14 September 30, 2007 4:09 PM PDT
IMHO Randys lecture belongs in the public arcives even the national arcives and even as a download from CMU. Ill contact them on that. The raw power of that lecture will inspire people for years. And besides Randy lets not forget Mr Seabold and Alex. At the very end they came very close to tears. After years Randy had no problem calling Alex and ask what do I do. I guess if your going to have mentors you might as well get the best. Yes they play hard with you but as Randy said it is because they cared so much about you. I dont say this about many people but I would have loved to be there eating a turkey on white bread with lots of mayo. Those guys and CMU just blow away anything else.

PS I founf I could turn the master DVD into a .iso file that I can fit on my site so anybody with a burner can make a copy. Ill do that tonight as it will take all night then ill see what I can do with the result DVD. The masterr files im using are very quality but I have to see how far I can compress them and still look good. I took my master / master .avi file of some 9 gigs and got it down to a 4 gig dvd file but I think I have the room to shrink it a bit move to fit on my site. Lew
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by lewiston14 September 30, 2007 4:19 PM PDT
Ad yes I have now watched it 12 times getting more out of every showing, reflecting on every word or body movement. I think ill start with Alex as he never gives up (hopefully a phone call). To explain just how important this is to us. I have a feeling he will say ILL TAKE CARE OF THIS. This Lecture belongs to the world not some company trying to make a fast buck off of it. Lew
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by lewiston14 October 1, 2007 7:36 AM PDT
I think I might have solved your problem getting a download or DVD of the lecture. It''s on Rnanys web site. Read the page and choose you options. You can request a DVD and it''s free.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
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