The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

[BredrenisedP]

I know this is pretty old, but for those who haven't yet seen it I highly recommend checking out the last lecture, by the late Randy Pausch

Inspirational, heart-felt and definately puts life into perspective.

What if this was your last lecture?

The full version (1hr 16mins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo


A shortened version (10 mins):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F87yvlDWzUs

[comhcinc]

i hate whinny baby boomers.

[spuddy_smurfette]

I found Randy's message and demeanor to be unbelievably non-whiny. Moreover, it was one of the most positive and inspiring - emotional, yet not mushy speeches I've ever been privy to.

This lecture was incredibly poignant on its own merit, but particularly affected me because it reminded me of all the great instructors I've had throughout my many years of education and the amazing impact they have had on my life. His words made me realize just how impactful truly great teachers can be in our lives.

A man who I've never met managed to make me want to go back to school. Granted, I still have to finish paying for the first BFA, but someday......

[skin87]

i hate whinny baby boomers.

You've obviously never seen even part of this lecture.

[tokenuser]

i hate whinny baby boomers.Watch it, read his book, save a copy for your kids, then come back.

[Keltic Rage]

i hate whinny baby boomers.

Wow...it's usually me that says completely arrogant, and heartless statements like this.

I saw this when it came out, and it's awesome, he wrote a book as well that I am looking forward to find the audio book for.

[comhcinc]

Watch it, read his book, save a copy for your kids, then come back.
I've watched it, watch ever minute of it. i plan on keeping my kids as far away from the whinny baby boomer crap as i can. people do not need this type of crap in their lives.

[BredrenisedP]

people do not need this type of crap in their lives.

I couldn't disagree more

[comhcinc]

no doubt.

[KilroyPerrywinkle]

no doubt.

How about you leave your cynical, arrogant, offense crap to another thread not about a nice guy, who did a nice thing for his nice family before he died.

Just because no one listens to your ideas about how to live a happy life doesn't mean you have to be an asshole.

Kindly go away.

[comhcinc]

How about you leave your cynical, arrogant, offense crap to another thread not about a nice guy, who did a nice thing for his nice family before he died.

Just because no one listens to your ideas about how to live a happy life doesn't mean you have to be an asshole.

Kindly go away.
no. i am entitled to my opinion just like you are. you find the guy to be nice, inspirational, and heart felt. i find him to be whinny, arrogant and pompous. if you don't like my opinion, well i don't really care. when i responded with "no doubt", which you found to be offense ( that was what you quoted) i was just recognizing the difference between BredrenisedP and myself.

oh just to let you know i can think of at least three people who listen to my ideas on how to live a happy life. i am just not an arrogant enough asshole to write a book about it.

[KilroyPerrywinkle]

no. i am entitled to my opinion just like you are. you find the guy to be nice, inspirational, and heart felt. i find him to be whinny, arrogant and pompous. if you don't like my opinion, well i don't really care. when i responded with "no doubt", which you found to be offense ( that was what you quoted) i was just recognizing the difference between BredrenisedP and myself.

oh just to let you know i can think of at least three people who listen to my ideas on how to live a happy life. i am just not an arrogant enough asshole to write a book about it.

I find you're "expression" of your mass generalization against an entire generation of people to be completely negated by, how you and where you choose to express it.

And your attempt at justification for it is just sad. I'm sorry again to inform you that no one wants to hear how much you hate a guy who died of a chronic disease. Its on par with the Felps family who think protesting at soldier's funeral is just them "expressing their rights."

Its poor taste, its offensive and its not welcome.

Don't like the guy?

Fine.

But coming into a thread about him and acting like you did was childish and inappropriate.

[comhcinc]

again i don't really care what you think. i don't like the baby boomers and i don't like this guy.

[KilroyPerrywinkle]

again i don't really care what you think. i don't like the baby boomers and i don't like this guy.

Wow... you're really the "I don't care what people think of my behavior but everyone has to listen to me whine about whiney people" person?


No wonder only 3 people listen to you.

[comhcinc]

Wow... you're really the "I don't care what people think of my behavior but everyone has to listen to me whine about whiney people" person?


No wonder only 3 people listen to you.
no one has to listen to me. you are the one getting all up in arms over my opinion.

are again i don't need my ego stroked. i don't need more than the three people.

[taozoo4u]

no one has to listen to me. you are the one getting all up in arms over my opinion.

are again i don't need my ego stroked. i don't need more than the three people.

you sir are an idiot and a troll

[comhcinc]

nice that you think that.

[GoNZooo]

Inspirational.

[diane]

How depressing that a post that was meant to be uplifting can become such a negative bitch fest.

1) The guy was kinda a douche as a professor, but pulled his head out of his ass when he got his death sentence. Lesson: Don't wait.

2) Generalizations are generalizations. I am not a big fan of a lot of supposed baby boomer stuff, but you can get this type of "don't wait" message from every generation.

3) I know that a lot of people might find inspirational stuff to be hokey and fake, but I find it uplifting. When I was sick as a child, it got me through a lot. To this day, truly good stuff, from Napoleon Hill to David Allen, can help me refocus on what is important and help me get a grip on life. I work two jobs, go to school full time and a single mom, sometimes, the cheesy stuff helps me not get lost in the day to day massive to do lists.

4) Don't make me get all mom on your asses and start using time outs or so help me I will come in there. Now play nice.

:)

[AriaStar]

Anyone in a position where death in expected come to these thoughts. Some of us somehow managed to live. My childhood dream was just to not die like they said I would, and should have. Only four years ago did the struggle end and I got well.

When I was 14, there was something I wanted to do. My mom asked why I couldn't wait until the next day, and I said to her that I didn't know if I'd be alive the next day. This is why I still have this sense of urgency with everything. A lifetime, minus only a few years, of having real reason to believe the next day wouldn't be there.

Hello, Depression.

[AriaStar]

are again i don't need my ego stroked. i don't need more than the three people.

Your left hand and right hand don't count as people, even if they are, uh, stroking your own, um, ego....

[skin87]

Well if you think this guy is whiny, I imagine you hate almost everyone. Seeing as you already dislike an entire generation, I guess that makes sense.

[AriaStar]

Well if you think this guy is whiny, I imagine you hate almost everyone. Seeing as you already dislike an entire generation, I guess that makes sense.

He likes to disagree with everyone around here. It's his sole pleasure in life that doesn't involve stroking his own ego.

[esophagus]

My favorite part of this: Not achieving a goal is not a failure if you get something out of it.

[AriaStar]

My favorite part of this: Not achieving a goal is not a failure if you get something out of it.

Failure isn't failure if you learn from it. Learned that from a Rich Dad, Poor Dad book. Same message.

[comhcinc]

Well if you think this guy is whiny, I imagine you hate almost everyone. Seeing as you already dislike an entire generation, I guess that makes sense.

not hate but yeah i dislike most people, but hey most people dislike me too so it works out.

He likes to disagree with everyone around here. It's his sole pleasure in life that doesn't involve stroking his own ego. while you like to go on and on about your personal life whinny about how bad it was.

found a job yet?

[diane]

not hate but yeah i dislike most people, but hey most people dislike me too so it works out.

while you like to go on and on about your personal life whinny about how bad it was.

found a job yet?

Dude, harsh. Can you please show a little compassion? We treat each other with respect on the TRS forums. If that is something you are not comfortable with or are unwilling to do, then please find another forum to post to.

[comhcinc]

Dude, harsh. Can you please show a little compassion? We treat each other with respect on the TRS forums. If that is something you are not comfortable with or are unwilling to do, then please find another forum to post to.
i have always liked you but i do not and will not listen to "you are an outsider and we do things this way here" stuff. i have been around the trs forum just as long as you have.

in this thread i have been called an idiot, accused of heartlessness and had a veiled reference that the only joy in life i have is masturbation.

all because i gave my honest opinion on the subject of the thread. why am i not allowed to disagree with anyone? why have you not come to my defense? how many personal attacks am i to take?

ariastar made two direct attacks against me. why are you not calling fowl on her?

i know some of my opinions are unpopular and i believe i am fairly thick skinned, but i am really starting to get tired of every time i post a dissenting opinion i get "flamed" ( i really hate using those terms).

go back over my post if you really think i am such an awful person. you will find that i almost never (but sure i have some times) attack anyone. i just disagree with a lot of people.

also while i am ranting, i know you have never accused me but a few people around here claim i never post any thing positive. well that is just not true, it is not my fault you chose to over look when i positive things.

a lot of people around here have a very clickish attitude when it come disagreement. it gets old after a couple of years.

[tectec]

I think this guy was kind of a douchebag too, but if he moved people then thats a good thing. If you were truly inspired by Randy, then take some action and make something of his valuable lecture. It'll mean a lot more than just some good feeling you got for an hour on the internets.

anybody remember this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xavFb4WH7o0

[comhcinc]

much better advice. sun screen is good.

[dstrack007]

I've watched it, watch ever minute of it. i plan on keeping my kids as far away from the whinny baby boomer crap as i can. people do not need this type of crap in their lives.

I just finished reading the book. It was great I thought... well worth the read. I'm so curious why you think this is "crap"? It wasn't "whinny" at all. What gives?

[comhcinc]

I just finished reading the book. It was great I thought... well worth the read. I'm so curious why you think this is "crap"? It wasn't "whinny" at all. What gives?
he is the poster boy of baby boomer self absorption. in the lecture ( have not read the book and won't) he reminds you constantly that he is dying, not to make you feel sorry for him (he says ) but to inform you how important his message is. that is just pure "look at me" arrogance. also i think deep down he knows he is just speaking a bunch of bull that sounds good but really doesn't do anything for any one.

he also claims that he wrote that speech for his children. whatever. if that was so why publish a book, do a series of lectures, and go on oprah? it is just a ego trip.

now to his message. follow your childhood dreams? when i was a child i wanted to be a fire truck. just how the hell am i suppose to follow that? ( and don't say become a firefigther because it is not the same thing) this is unreasonable advice. most people dream of being things as a kid that they never will have the talent or skills to be and that is fine because people change. i am not the same person as i was as child. i am not the same person i was five years ago. hell i am not even the same person i was this time last month. again that is okay.

now before you say it, i am not saying give up your childhood dreams, i am saying that in the bigger scheme of things they are not really that important because you are no longer a child.

"a failure is not a failure if you learn from it" ( paraphased)......yeah i know that i don't need to spend 12 bucks at amazon for some guy to tell me that. he (and a lot of other people) seem to act like he is the first guy to come up with this stuff. he wasn't.

[KilroyPerrywinkle]

...just pure "look at me" arrogance.

Kettle? Have you met Mr. Black?

Your posts and tone are just a big "hey look how jaded and ageist I am against people from a certain decade!"

Maybe the things you don't like about him, are the things that remind what you don't like about yourself.

And you're right, how dare he have a life ending disease and want to tell people about it! You'd think he's got some perspective most people don't have or something and how dare a professor want to "teach" "things" to "people...." God, I totally get it now, who cares that bringing attention to himself might bring more funding and attention to finding a cure for a disease, the guy most be a total tool... and everyone should know about!

Thank you so much sharing with us, I'm amazed people tend to dislike you... really... amazed. What's your mom's home number, we should all call her and thank her for what a wonderful person you've become.

[diane]

Okay, it took some time for me to truly analyze why this forum post has gotten me so emotionally charged, and I think I have gotten it.

I have spent more time in hospital buildings than in any other type of building when totaled over my life outside my current home, which was my grandmother's. Whether I was there because of my own health, with my first surgery at age four, for my family's health (and I have a huge accident-prone family) or for my job, hospitals are just a way of life for me. Heck, when I was little it was referred to as my second home.

But even though it is a common, I am not numb when I walk through it. When I walk through Rainbow Babies, and I see a 9 year old bald child with a little hip pack attached, my heart breaks. When I see family members holding on to each other as if they are trying so hard to block out the pain as if it was a tidal wave about to hit them, I know. And in those moments, so honest and pure, it is life is clear. What it means, what it is worth and what we must do.

But there is a very marked difference between those two scenarios. The child isn't crying. The one who is dying understands perfectly what to do. Death, when faced straight on is not scary, but is a friend. Someone to hold your hand and keep your eyes open to what is important and to help truly experience what is there.

But the family cries. Why? Regret. Regret that there will not be one more day with someone they loved. One more day to hold them. One more day to love them. One more day to say everything to see them with the eyes truly open. There is a reason why when a parent dies slowly the child that was most responsible for taking care of them is normally the least upset when they do finally die. They have the least regrets.

Yes, what he says many people have said before. No, it isn't a boomer thing. They just happen to the the next generation to start dealing with death on such a large scale that they are the most likely to now say these things. But this is far from new. Heck this is talked about in the Torah, Bible and the Koran. Movies have been dedicated to this since the beginning. Plays have tackling this for so long. Actually you can technically say almost every Shakespeare tragedy deals with it. I now have that Tim McGraw song "Live like you were dying" stuck in my head.

But what is funny is that it still needs to be said. Death isn't scary, regret is. So simply live your life without regret.

So congratulations if you can honestly say you live your life without regret. I had Death first show up to walk with me when I was 4, and whether he comes to walk with me for a while, or to take someone I love with him, he is a pretty regular visitor in my life. (I can't help but make friends with patients, even when they are terminal so one can see why he visits so often.) And even with all these visits, I still need to be reminded.

PS: There is a reason why he says childhood dreams. They are the most honest and the most pure. They are not tempered by practicality and budget concerns, time constraints and even legality. Anakin has wanted to be a mad scientist/astronaut since he was 3. Now how many of us would actually have the balls to say that as adults (mainly the mad part), even if that is what we dreamed about in our hearts? Kids don't hold back. And in turn, no regrets.

[AriaStar]

all because i gave my honest opinion on the subject of the thread. why am i not allowed to disagree with anyone? why have you not come to my defense? how many personal attacks am i to take?

Because your way of disagreeing is by being heartless and insulting. You don't state your reasons for disagreeing in a nice way.


ariastar made two direct attacks against me. why are you not calling fowl on her?

Because it's known that you routinely attack people. When you piss off enough people, don't act hurt or surprised that people are going to look the other way when someone uses sarcasm back with you. You dish it all the time. Learn to take it, or quit dishing.


i know some of my opinions are unpopular and i believe i am fairly thick skinned, but i am really starting to get tired of every time i post a dissenting opinion i get "flamed" ( i really hate using those terms).

You get "flamed," as you see it, because of your attitude. People disagree here all the time, but are mostly respectful. You don't show respect.


a lot of people around here have a very clickish attitude when it come disagreement. it gets old after a couple of years.

If it's old, it must be boring. If we're boring, why are you still here? I think you like trying to cause problems.

[AriaStar]

not hate but yeah i dislike most people, but hey most people dislike me too so it works out.

while you like to go on and on about your personal life whinny about how bad it was.

found a job yet?

People dislike you because you disrespect everyone.

Job? I'm costuming for a musical right now and working on my own business. So, while I don't make a living by drawing a wage working for others, yes, I do have a job. And I'm much happier now than I've been in a long time.

[AriaStar]

he is the poster boy of baby boomer self absorption. in the lecture ( have not read the book and won't) he reminds you constantly that he is dying, not to make you feel sorry for him (he says ) but to inform you how important his message is. that is just pure "look at me" arrogance. also i think deep down he knows he is just speaking a bunch of bull that sounds good but really doesn't do anything for any one.

Anyone giving lectures is going to be in a bit of "look at me" mode. They sure don't want you to be looking at a book.


now to his message. follow your childhood dreams? when i was a child i wanted to be a fire truck. just how the hell am i suppose to follow that? ( and don't say become a firefigther because it is not the same thing) this is unreasonable advice. most people dream of being things as a kid that they never will have the talent or skills to be and that is fine because people change.

Just because your childhood dream is impossible doesn't mean all are. And a lot of people leave behind their dreams because they are told they can't do it. I wanted to be June Clever and a ballerina. Just because I won't get to dance with the San Francisco Ballet doesn't make the process of learning and dancing ballet in a studio less enjoyable. I lack the talent. The process of working toward it, even if the end goal may not be reachable, is enjoyable in itself for many people.


now before you say it, i am not saying give up your childhood dreams, i am saying that in the bigger scheme of things they are not really that important because you are no longer a child.

Wow. That is stupid. That's like saying there's no point in having dreams because you'll change in a few years. Why have goals and hopes at all? How depressing.

[AriaStar]

Kettle? Have you met Mr. Black?

Your posts and tone are just a big "hey look how jaded and ageist I am against people from a certain decade!"

Maybe the things you don't like about him, are the things that remind what you don't like about yourself.

And you're right, how dare he have a life ending disease and want to tell people about it! You'd think he's got some perspective most people don't have or something and how dare a professor want to "teach" "things" to "people...." God, I totally get it now, who cares that bringing attention to himself might bring more funding and attention to finding a cure for a disease, the guy most be a total tool... and everyone should know about!

Thank you so much sharing with us, I'm amazed people tend to dislike you... really... amazed. What's your mom's home number, we should all call her and thank her for what a wonderful person you've become.

I applaud every word you wrote.

[AriaStar]

Okay, it took some time for me to truly analyze why this forum post has gotten me so emotionally charged, and I think I have gotten it.

I have spent more time in hospital buildings than in any other type of building when totaled over my life outside my current home, which was my grandmother's. Whether I was there because of my own health, with my first surgery at age four, for my family's health (and I have a huge accident-prone family) or for my job, hospitals are just a way of life for me. Heck, when I was little it was referred to as my second home.

But even though it is a common, I am not numb when I walk through it. When I walk through Rainbow Babies, and I see a 9 year old bald child with a little hip pack attached, my heart breaks. When I see family members holding on to each other as if they are trying so hard to block out the pain as if it was a tidal wave about to hit them, I know. And in those moments, so honest and pure, it is life is clear. What it means, what it is worth and what we must do.

But there is a very marked difference between those two scenarios. The child isn't crying. The one who is dying understands perfectly what to do. Death, when faced straight on is not scary, but is a friend. Someone to hold your hand and keep your eyes open to what is important and to help truly experience what is there.

But the family cries. Why? Regret. Regret that there will not be one more day with someone they loved. One more day to hold them. One more day to love them. One more day to say everything to see them with the eyes truly open. There is a reason why when a parent dies slowly the child that was most responsible for taking care of them is normally the least upset when they do finally die. They have the least regrets.

Yes, what he says many people have said before. No, it isn't a boomer thing. They just happen to the the next generation to start dealing with death on such a large scale that they are the most likely to now say these things. But this is far from new. Heck this is talked about in the Torah, Bible and the Koran. Movies have been dedicated to this since the beginning. Plays have tackling this for so long. Actually you can technically say almost every Shakespeare tragedy deals with it. I now have that Tim McGraw song "Live like you were dying" stuck in my head.

But what is funny is that it still needs to be said. Death isn't scary, regret is. So simply live your life without regret.

So congratulations if you can honestly say you live your life without regret. I had Death first show up to walk with me when I was 4, and whether he comes to walk with me for a while, or to take someone I love with him, he is a pretty regular visitor in my life. (I can't help but make friends with patients, even when they are terminal so one can see why he visits so often.) And even with all these visits, I still need to be reminded.

PS: There is a reason why he says childhood dreams. They are the most honest and the most pure. They are not tempered by practicality and budget concerns, time constraints and even legality. Anakin has wanted to be a mad scientist/astronaut since he was 3. Now how many of us would actually have the balls to say that as adults (mainly the mad part), even if that is what we dreamed about in our hearts? Kids don't hold back. And in turn, no regrets.

Beautifully said, Diane. Worth quoting.

[esophagus]

5 posts? Jesus. The first three easily could have been one. The last two were unnecessary, and definitely could have been rolled together if need be.

This isn't a race for the highest post count. Slow down.

[comhcinc]

Thank you so much sharing with us, I'm amazed people tend to dislike you... really... amazed. What's your mom's home number, we should all call her and thank her for what a wonderful person you've become.

okay you don't like me or what i have to say, fine. but do not talk about my mother. in fact, i am going to ask you to apologize.


Okay, it took some time for me to truly analyze why this forum post has gotten me so emotionally charged, and I think I have gotten it. that was a very sweet post, but you failed to respond to any of my questions in any way. you think when you get a chance you could go back and do that?

Job? I'm costuming for a musical right now and working on my own business. So, while I don't make a living by drawing a wage working for others, yes, I do have a job. And I'm much happier now than I've been in a long time.
so no you don't have a job.

[KilroyPerrywinkle]

okay you don't like me or what i have to say, fine. but do not talk about my mother. in fact, i am going to ask you to apologize.

Okay go ahead and ask me to.

Say please.

[comhcinc]

Okay go ahead and ask me to.

Say please.
okay.


how about you go fuck yourself? please.

[tokenuser]

Why all the anger and hostility?

Differing opinions should not be taken as a personal attack - so please don't escalate it to BE a personal attack.

Thread closed.