Video: The dying professor’s lasting legacy
posted at 2:37 pm on March 7, 2008 by Michelle
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Remember Randy Pausch? He’s the Carnegie Mellon University professor dying of pancreatic cancer whose farewell lecture became a viral video hit. KCAL9 has a follow-up on his latest efforts in southern California to help raise funds for pancreatic cancer research:
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His speech was a good atheist sermon. Totally useless to his kids though without saying follow the teachings of Christ
PrezHussein on March 7, 2008 at 2:43 PM
Professor Pausch is truly an amazing man. I watched his speech in its entirety (considering I can barely watch a movie without clicking open Minesweeper, a feat) and enjoyed his comments about “brick walls” in particular. I know they motivated me to get some things done.
The best people all seem to die too soon.
amkun on March 7, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Way to crap all over him.
amkun on March 7, 2008 at 2:49 PM
You must be a riot at parties.
amerpundit on March 7, 2008 at 2:58 PM
Hmm…tool or troll? Such a subtle distinction to draw anymore.
Blacklake on March 7, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Dude, STFU
ninjapirate on March 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Interesting point, PrezHussein. As a fellow Christian, I can’t decide if I agree or disagree with your statement. On the one hand, there are definitly messages in his speech from which anyone can learn. And the fact that he knows he will be dead in a couple months and is still going out there telling people how to live life to the fullest (in his opinion) is courageous and admirable. On the other hand, my personal experience tells me there is nothing more important than a relationship with Christ when it comes to living a fullfilling, grateful, happy life. So yeah, I would have loved it if he would have told his sons something along those lines.
I dunno.
Regardless, Pausch seems like a good guy and my heart goes out to him and his family.
rhinoishere on March 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM
Nice to see people loving life even when its suddenly shortened.
I think he might interact with his kids other than through public address. Failing that, he’s got a wife surviving him that can surely handle their upbringing. Troll.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 3:11 PM
R.I.P. Randy Pausch.
Marc01 on March 7, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Christians whose minds are TOO NARROW do both Christ and Christians and Christianity a SERIOUS service.
Unfortunately it’s a serious DISSERVICE. It makes Christ, his church, and his followers look like total A**HOLES.
And now, PrezHussein, time to hold up a mirror and behold thyself, puckerhole.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 3:15 PM
If less people dedicated themselves to “the teachings of christ” and more to non fictional pursuits like Science and Medicine perhaps this man would not be dieing right now.
JayHaw Phrenzie on March 7, 2008 at 3:15 PM
One could argue that living life to the fullest could BRING you to Christ. Christ lies in every road we take. Making the best of life may lead people to Him.
robblefarian on March 7, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Chort. There are plenty of us who can live a full, happy life without Christ in it. I’ll keep this man and his family in my thoughts.
the goddess anna on March 7, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Could we re-direct this back to the subject at hand. We all get the point. We’re all offended at PrezHussein… yada yada yada.
Prof Pausch is dealing with his mortality in an amazing way. I think it would be a great gift to have the time and abolity to express yourself the way he has. God bless you, Randy.
edgehead on March 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM
I’m no regular church-going Christian–but that has to be the dumbest thing I’ve read in quite some time.
“Sorry, honey–can’t study the ‘ol science text. I have an appointment with the Big Guy.”
I wonder how nuns feel about that statement? All they DO is learn.
robblefarian on March 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
So, if you’re Jewish anything you day to your kids when you are dying is useless???
Oh, brother! You just had to throw gasoline on the flames.
Blake on March 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
As my own boss, himself an Evangelical, puts it:
“Christians who make Christians look bad.”
Like this guy: http://www.questchurch.org/about.aspx?pid=20
Trust me. I have direct experience, the pastor of this church is a NUTJOB who seems to utterly lack the capacity to see things from the perspective of anybody else but himself.
Go join his church, PrezHussein. I bet you’d fit RIGHT in.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
anything you say to your kids
Blake on March 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
I think he might interact with his kids other than through public address.
I considered this point, too, and you may be right. However, he is leaving this speech to his kids as something they will go back throughout the course of their lives. If he really thought that knowing God was important, he surely would have mentioned it in this speech, don’t you think? As he says, the speech was written for his kids, not us.
I definitely don’t find the speech ‘totally useless’ as Prez said, but I’ve gotta agree that, in my opinion, Pausch omitted the most important part. I suppose the question is why he left it out.
If he is a Christian and he omitted it because he wanted the speech to reach a larger audience, then he didn’t really write if for his sons. If he omitted it because he doesn’t have a faith and he doesn’t think it should be a factor in the lives of his children, well, that’s something else entirely.
What it comes down to is that he has his own reasons, and I certainly am not going to look down on/judge someone in his situation who is trying to do a good thing.
rhinoishere on March 7, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Is it like some immutable law of Internet physics that the biggest asshole in the room is always the first to post in threads like this?
Professor Blather on March 7, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Oh, aMEN, my brother.
Good, decent people come in ALL colors and ALL persuasions and black is the heart that cannot recognize that.
You don’t have to be ‘Christian’ to be worthy of a life well lived and last thoughts well spoken. For shame.
tree hugging sister on March 7, 2008 at 3:31 PM
If I had to guess I’d say he omitted it because some people would ignore the rest of the message if he started talking about the grace of God. He did a very good job of forming the mode of address to suit a public audience in order to make an impact for them. If he just wanted to leave his kids a video he could have done that in the privacy of his home, but he wanted to hit a wider audience so he stayed vanilla. Smart man.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
The video is not working for me. Is there an news article or something where I can get an update on how he is doing?
terryannonline on March 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
That is a stretch. I, as a christian, believe science and medicine and the people who study and administer it, are displaying gifts from God. Not to mention I have heard countless stories, coming from physicians themselves, of the miracles of prayer. Don’t discount that. God is the greatest healer of all.
kcd on March 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Folks, stop feeding the troll. Look at his name. He came to screw with us, so don’t let him.
Pausch is a really interesting position, that people don’t get long to experience: Nothing to lose. Some would take that ball and run with it, and just live for themselves. He’s pursuing a much more noble task, made all the more admirable for how valuable his time is.
MadisonConservative on March 7, 2008 at 3:38 PM
BTW, FWIW Randy has some time management lecture slides(I downloaded it around christmas time). He shows his calendar which contains some circumstantial evidence of an event happening from 11-12:30 on sunday showing that our first poster may be a complete douche bag. Don’t read too far into it, it’s not really anyone’s business.
ninjapirate on March 7, 2008 at 3:38 PM
I wonder just how “full” your life is.
Certainly this professor is an amazing man…many will honor his legacy.
Richard Romano on March 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
terry, wasn’t working for me either, I had to go to the news site and search for it. Here it is:
http://cbs2.com/video/?id=61324@kcbs.dayport.com
Randy also has a page he keeps updated.
http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/news/index.html
rhinoishere on March 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I watched my father die from Pancreatic Cancer 11 yrs ago. Trust me, it’s a horrible way to go. Recently my mother was given 6 months with Lymphoma, and she’s dealing with it pretty good. Cancer sucks.
It was great to see the Professor was very courageous and upbeat knowing the challenges he faces. Hopefully his efforts and some of the publicity Pancreatic Cancer is getting will bring changes to testing and working toward a cure.
Fires1 on March 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Way to chum for the usual crowd of Christ haters!
I’ve seen the lecture a couple times and it didn’t come off as anti-Christian or that the message was any less inspirational because he kept it “non-denominational.”
You know some of the most devout Christians are scientists and doctors- people who understand that only a higher being could create the complex world around us. Take your Christ-hating bile elsewhere. Didn’t your mama ever teach you to be civil?
highhopes on March 7, 2008 at 3:45 PM
I don’t know if Professor Pausch is a Christian or not, but assuming he isn’t, it’s pretty clear that you don’t have to believe in God to be a fantastic human being, man, and father.
amkun on March 7, 2008 at 3:49 PM
The real issue is that we need to support more funding for a cure and/or for early detection. YOU DON’T WANT TO GET THIS ONE. I had never heard about pancreatic cancer until my mother in law died from it. Then, her sister died from it. Then, my mom was diagnosed with it(she is living 8 years later, cancer free, because the tumor happened to be in a spot that caused her to jaundice immediately). Then my best friend’s mom died from it. Then my husband’s best friend’s dad died from it. Get the picture? It’s out there and at a much greater rate than any of us want to beleive. I think the reason we don’t hear about it that much is because people go so fast once they’re diagnosed. We need to put some of the other, more manageable, cancers on the research back burner and go after this one and a couple of the other deadlier ones.
sheesh on March 7, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Highhopes,
There are those of us who love Christ but hate a typically Protestant Evangelical way of behaving, talking, writing, thinking. It has ENTIRELY to do with attitude.
It is one thing to believe in Christ yet not act very Christ-like, which is what a lot of Evangelicals do, in my not so humble opinion.
It is entirely another to honor Christ and do one’s utmost not only to follow his teachings in scripture, but to also live as Christ would. Helping others. Healing others. Welcoming others. Serving others.
NOT BASHING OTHERS.
This is what pushed MY buttons. I’ve had experience with a Pastor at a local church whom, I believe, fervently wants to be the best pastor ever, and in the process, utterly forgets to honor others by seeking to understand why their perspective differs from his, forgets to do them the honor of respecting personal boundaries, and has actually bashed other people in his sermons. Personally, I don’t believe this is what Christ was about, why he came here, taught, fulfilled his mission to die for the rest of humanity’s sake, and was then resurrected. If we can’t follow his example, truly, what have we learned?
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 3:54 PM
You’re getting regular physicals, right? Right?
DrSteve on March 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
It takes great courage to face death in the face whether one is an atheist, Christian or anything else, with dignity and compassion.
I’m sure God knows what He’s doing and can draw prof. Pausch to Him any way He sees fit. To quote an old song, “His righteousness is only exceeded by His love.”
Mommynator on March 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
No, the law of internet physics is that they post at 3:28 PM
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
No, the law of internet physics is that they call themselves “Professor” followed by something to do with speech.
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
No, the law of internet physics is that they will post a profane word calling a complete stranger something that is un-necessary.
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Yikes. Drinking the “Hater-ade” eh?
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Golden,
Respectfully:
You are straying dangerously close to making the point I was trying to make earlier.
And looking most unwise at the moment.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Thanks for the posting. This is an incredible man.
As to the faith issue, I don’t know Randy Pausch personally, but I’ve looked up some info on the web. He seems to value his privacy, is willing to open up about his condition, and has thanked family and his “church” for support.
My take is that he is relying on faith for support to some extent, but didn’t turn the lecture into a sermon. I respect that, and pray that he finds strength and peace.
My his wife and sons enjoy his company as long as possible, and his memory forever.
cs89 on March 7, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Me? Did I call someone an asshole? I don’t think I did. I confronted a person who did.
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:21 PM
“May his wife and sons…”
Sorry.
cs89 on March 7, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Well said.
AZCoyote on March 7, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Yes, but that was HIS sin to commit and not necessarily yours to feel compelled to respond to.
And I indeed turn this very argument upon myself.
I apologize. I’d better practice what I myself am preaching.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:25 PM
True that Shirotayama.
I was trying to be funny actually, and I thought it was. Oh well.
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Didn’t quite come off as planned, brother.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:27 PM
This guy was diagnosed with cancer right about the time I was, only I won the cancer lottery with a curable kind. I’ve been praying for him ever since I saw his first lecture.
Bob's Kid on March 7, 2008 at 4:27 PM
And after dealing with a pastor who doesn’t fully practice in daily, mundane life what he preaches…or what his Savior taught…I myself need to be a better model.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:28 PM
I was commenting on your motivation for singling out one person when the majority of posters have blathered on about the ridiculous 1st comment of the post.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 4:28 PM
The written word is ever miscommunicated.
I hope cancer sees some serious breakthroughs soon. Otherwise The Swayze is a goner.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 4:34 PM
I think that if you re-read all the post, you will find that every one of them that took exception with the first post refrained from using profanity, and for the most part, refrained from simple insults of charactor. Every one of them except the one that I “singled out.”
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Do we have to get a commercial before the dying college professor’s thoughts?
Live as if this world matters more than any posthumous theory.
Laugh as if it didn’t.
profitsbeard on March 7, 2008 at 4:38 PM
And for the record — I don’t find the first post to be rediculous.
Wise Golden on March 7, 2008 at 4:42 PM
You thought wrong.
Centerfire on March 7, 2008 at 4:44 PM
You didn’t find it to be rIdiculous but….
…Christ was perhaps one of two of the most perceptive, sensitive human beings in history…(in my humble opinion)…also something I personally believe that those who wish to follow his example should emulate. And with that degree of perception is the understanding that the WAY a message is delivered can be as important to it being actually HEARD, as the underlying message itself.
The WAY PrezHussein (who hasn’t come back here…so why are we wasting so much time and energy on him, I start to wonder, self included) came across as NARROW-MINDED and HARSH.
He could have put that message across with a whole lot more of the love for fellow man Christ emphasized.
Bringing me back to my point about the way a lot of Evangelicals behave. If one thumps scripture with so much fire and brimstone for Satan, one forgets to follow Christ-like behavior and model their own after the Savior.
Which was the crux of the point I was trying to make earlier through my own personal experience. Except I did a lousy job of it because I let my own anger get in the way.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:50 PM
To each their own. You’re right about the profanity…been a lot of that lately for some reason. Perhaps everyone is getting grumpy under this political duress?
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 4:52 PM
Sweet Evil Jesus…has this gone south.
MadisonConservative on March 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Blankminde,
Perhaps so. And perhaps it’s also just Friday and people are tired and they’re forgetting to mind their manners because they’re tired.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 4:54 PM
If you don’t, then you really do make the faithful look silly. Good day.
MadisonConservative on March 7, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Interesting post. Bob Marley kicks similar knowledge:
Wake Up and Live.
You don’t have to call someone else an asshole to prove how big of a balloon knot you are.
The Race Card on March 7, 2008 at 4:57 PM
The sanctimonious mindset represented by the first post is the reason many of us stay away from organized religion. Probably a good thing for both groups. Everyone is happier that way.
a capella on March 7, 2008 at 4:57 PM
I prefer the professor from Futurama: “Sweet zombie Jesus”.
Maybe religious people wouldn’t be so testy if their faith weren’t ridiculed constantly. Flip-side, maybe non-religious people wouldn’t be so testy if their existentialism wasn’t ridiculed by religious folk. At least we all agree regarding liberals…
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Wade on March 7, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Wow, that took some balls to say in this thread. For the record, I didn’t find the first comment offensive in the least either. Many others that followed were extremely rude, but that one, not so much.
wytammic on March 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
If some of you “Christians” actually read the entire Torah, you would know that a moral atheist is more important to G-d than an immoral believer. Besides, in Judaism, it is more important to be moral/good than to be a believer. Grow up and learn the real lessons of Christianity and Jesus.
Andy in Agoura Hills on March 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Gumballs … of course. :)
wytammic on March 7, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Uh-oh. Oh, boy.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM
And so it begins…
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM
“In your face” religion at its finest.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 5:13 PM
The man has figured out what life is about, or at least all we can know of it. Amazing. Thanks, Michelle. Love. And the next brick wall…
Halley on March 7, 2008 at 5:13 PM
How about you guys try and stay on topic?…just a suggestion.
EnochCain on March 7, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Christianity places utmost emphasis in belief over works.
Judaism is all about righteous works.
It’s too bad the two faiths didn’t meld the best of both early on.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:15 PM
What the fvck does that mean?
Andy in Agoura Hills on March 7, 2008 at 5:16 PM
The best of both? Yeah, its called Judaism.
Andy in Agoura Hills on March 7, 2008 at 5:17 PM
No idea. This Randy Pausch chap sure is great though eh? Sure hope they find a cure for that cancer.
blankminde on March 7, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Andy,
Yet again, my point made. It was the WAY you said it, not necessarily what you were trying to say that was so “in your face”.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Andy, Jews can be JUST as narrow-minded as certain Evangelical Christians.
Try hanging out with the Chabad/Lubavitch people. Now THERE’S a forgiving bunch for ya.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Meant to say “certain Jews” not ALL Jews.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Need to go. Interesting debate, later folks.
Shirotayama on March 7, 2008 at 5:25 PM
What an amazing man.
Everyone seems so cranky on here today. Perhaps we should all go enjoy our family and friends and pets on this wonderful Friday night.
shibumiglass on March 7, 2008 at 5:33 PM
My life is very full, thank you. Full of love, emotion, work, and virtue. As I hope the good professor’s life is.
the goddess anna on March 7, 2008 at 5:36 PM
shibumiglass on March 7, 2008 at 5:33 PM
I agree with everything you just posted.
I saw his video just yesterday and bawled my eyes out. What a strong individual with a great outlook on what he has been dealt.
Aggie85 on March 7, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Thanks for the update Michelle. I will pray are for the good professor and his family and all who suffer.
As for all the rude or cranky commenters, a while back I suggested a short read “110 Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” written by a very young George Washington. Number 110 should be of interest.
Zorro on March 7, 2008 at 5:45 PM
I’ll be praying for his salvation in Christ because other than that, all the rest does not matter.
TOPV on March 7, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Ditto. The man is an inspiration and I could care less about his religion, period. What and who he believes in is none of my business, nor anyoneelse’s quite frankly.
After that remark I think we can all safely assume you know nothing about the teachings of Christ. As a jew I probably follow the teachings of Christ more precisely than you do and I do not really follow them at all.
AprilOrit on March 7, 2008 at 6:13 PM
I suppose you have? Because I attend their services every Shabbat. And, uh, no. They are not narrow-minded as you put it. They help anyone in need of help WITHOUT the preaching. Here’s a tip for ya: Jews to actively prosyletize like Christians do.
Andy in Agoura Hills on March 7, 2008 at 6:17 PM
Argh! Jews DON’T….
Andy in Agoura Hills on March 7, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Sure do Doc. The funny thing is not really any other family history of cancer beyond my parents and 1 uncle.
Fires1 on March 7, 2008 at 6:27 PM
A splash, then ripples, Randy’s essence will spread. The positive.
Myth fixations (lower level spiritual impulses) threatened by universal love and compassion (higher spiritual impulses). The negative.
deesine on March 7, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Right, because Judaism focuses more on legalism, hence the rules about what food you can eat, etc. If that’s what you want, good for you, but it’s certainly not moral or good to insult another person’s religion.
Why single out religious people? What about if we had no musicians in the world, or authors, bloggers, artists, etc.? What if every single last one of us did nothing but search the all praised science for answers? Maybe we could even find a cure before he dies.
What are you waiting for? Get off the computer and head to a library. I’ll be right behind you.
You don’t find it offensive that the first commenter just crapped all over a dying professor’s final lecture for no apparent reason?
That’s on you then.
Esthier on March 7, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Exactly, and we do not try to convert any Christians either, at least in NY we don’t.
We live and let live, mind our business and try not to judge. Unless it pertains to fashion…just kidding.
AprilOrit on March 7, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Because you don’t believe conversion is necessary for salvation. Christians do. It’s a huge difference in the conversation.
Esthier on March 7, 2008 at 6:55 PM
I also don’t feel it necessary to besmirch a dying individual. The man gave his talk, he is honorable, let’s leave it at that.
AprilOrit on March 7, 2008 at 7:12 PM
I’m just pleased that we live in the US, allowing all of you to cr4p on one another for your religious beliefs or lack thereof.
The guy’s dying, has an upbeat outlook considering the warranty on his machine’s set to expire before it’s time. Just honor that and don’t bother dragging religion into it, eh?
Biffstir on March 7, 2008 at 7:18 PM
I completely agree with you. Those who judge so much obviouslky have something to hide IMHO.
PrezHussein sounds like a fairly new poster probably a Left Wing rabble rousing troll looking to ignite the discussion.
If you notice there are some newbies posting of late who make religion the center of the discussion no matter what. I think they may be like some type of agent provocetuerslooking to stir the pot.
AprilOrit on March 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM
If he were 300 pounds and had a huge bald spot, would anyone have watched that speech video more than 5 seconds? JUST WONDERING…..
leftnomore on March 7, 2008 at 7:36 PM
PrezHussein is a infinitesimal footnote, as a man. He does not represent many Christians but embarassingly many of them.
PrezHussein, you and your dead ancient Mediteranean peasant friend are as meaningless as your contribution to this forum. You’re truly human waste. Slapping you until the skin comes off of your face would be an appropriate reply to your filth post, which of course was “led by the Spirit” in the “love of Christ”. Christians spew their most vial filth when castingating genuinely great people of courage for their skinny, dead beat poet, Jesus.
Please leave your posts on sites dedicated to the “worship” of the long dead and meaningless beat poet, Jesus, and spare us your dying, war starting, hypocritical cult, Christianity.
Jesus of Nazareth was not a god, was not a saviour, was not even an above average human. He was a skinny blabbering beat poet with a lot of gullible tripe following him around, blindly. Not much has changed.
revolution on March 7, 2008 at 7:37 PM
Revolution, you will live to regret that, but it’s in your future anyway.
leftnomore on March 7, 2008 at 7:39 PM
So you are asking us this why?
AprilOrit on March 7, 2008 at 7:45 PM
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