How did you feel about Jai’s unhappiness over Pausch’s decision to give a last lecture—her concern that its preparation would divert precious time away from his children? Did you find yourself sympathizing or disagreeing with her? How would you have reacted as his wife?
Discuss Pausch’s statement that “it’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way … the dreams will come to you.” Do you think he’s right? Might the reverse be true—that only by working toward (and achieving) your dreams can you “lead your life the right way”?
Randy remembers his childhood dreams with clarity. Do you remember your childhood dreams—are they as vivid as his? And how important is it to hold onto your childhood dreams—might not they change over time?
Pausch said he gave his lecture (not knowing it would attain such acclaim) so his children would have some memory of their father. If you were faced with 6 months to live, how would you go create lasting memories? Is that an important concern—or is it self-serving or self-indulgent?
Why is it that The Last Lecture has struck such a chord with people? Co-writer Zaslow says that “it’s because we’re all dying,” and that Randy’s fate is ours. Do you agree? Are there any other reasons?
What is a “head fake”? What other sports analogies does Pausch use to illustrate life strategies and how did they help him in his life?
How did Randy and Jai meet, and what led to their relationship? What message did Randy send through sharing this story?
What kind of jobs did Randy hold in his life, and what did he learn from these positions?
What passages in The Last Lecture particularly resonated with you? Which struck you—personally—as most profound or meaningful for your own life?
Friendship is a strong theme throughout the book. Where are some places that this theme appears, and how do the people touched by it react? How do certain friendships change over the course of the book, and what causes these changes?
Outline the ways that Randy used his role as a teacher to shape the lives of his students, not with academic knowledge, but with important life and relationship skills.
How did Randy’s parents inspire him in his life? What qualities did he inherit from them?
Randy had many dreams as a kid, but what was his ultimate dream? Do you think he accomplished it?
How was Randy raised, and what effect did this have on his life?
What are Randy's greatest regrets in dying so young, and how is he coping with this?
How did Randy educate himself, and what effect did this have on his family?
Randy had a few mentors in his life. What qualities did Randy see in them that helped him in his life?
“Too many people go through life complaining about there problems…Complaining does not work as a strategy. We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend whining is unlikely to help us achieve our goals. And it won’t make us happier.” Evaluate your level of complaining. Do you complain often or do you look on the bright side? What do you complain about? Do you think if you complain less you would be happier?
“Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.” Describe an experience where you gained experience. Be detailed in your narrative. What was the event and the lesson that was learned?
“If nobody ever worried about what was in other people’s heads, we’d all be 33 percent more effective in our lives and our jobs.” Are you overly concerned with what others think?
There is No Job Beneath You – “There is a growing sense of entitlement among young people today.” He is calling you out? Is he right?
“Wow, this is the epitome of a person appreciating this day and this moment.” Identify a person who you know who “appreciates” life the most.
“There are a few key moments in anyone’s life.” Select a few and describe the moment and the significance in your life.
“If I were a painter, I would have painted for them. If I were a musician, I would have composed music. But I am a lecturer. So I lectured.” Explain & Describe 1 – 3 talents you have. In your answer: A) Explain how you developed these or are developing these talents, and B) Explain how you use them or can use them to help others.
“I thought about how I defined myself: as a teacher, a computer scientist, a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a brother, a mentor to my students. Those are all the roles I value.” Explain THREE of “the roles (you) value.” Explain why you value each of these roles. Why are these roles important to you?
Create a poster of your dream wall. It should include things that matter to you. You will be graded on effort and creativity. Some of us are artistically challenged. You will not be marked down for lack of artistic talent.