Motivation
About This Billboard
When forty five year old Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he chose to focus on living rather than dying. As a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, Randy was asked to deliver a ‘last lecture’—a well-known tradition on campus that allowed for professors to take a break from academia and share worldly wisdom with students as if, hypothetically, they were dying and had one last lecture left to give. The only difference in Randy’s case is that Randy really was dying, a fact that only motivated him more. He agreed to deliver his last lecture, ‘Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams’ on September 18, 2007 to a packed McConomy Auditorium.
Randy began by sharing several of his boyhood dreams—some which he had achieved and others he hadn’t. He describes the importance of having dreams and how you can still learn a lot by trying for your dreams even if you don’t always succeed. He shares the values he has learned through his experiences that he hopes to pass on to others: integrity, honesty, character, hard work, laughter and gratitude.
Randy’s last lecture received so much praise and attention that he agreed to turn it into a book by the same name. It quickly became a best seller, outlining Randy’s lifelong philosophy and revealing the ultimate source of his motivation—his three young children.
Randy Pausch passed away July 25, 2008, but he continues to motivate us all, encouraging us to never give up on our childhood dreams.
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Preparation -
Leadership -
Stewardship -
Optimism -
Character -
Excellence -
Motivation -
Sportsmanship -
Giving Back -
Peace -
Live Life -
Love -
Devotion -
Hope -
Confidence -
Ambition -
Inspiration -
Foresight -
Achievement -
Believe In Yourself -
Caring -
Class And Grace -
Commitment -
Compassion -
Courage -
Courage -
Dedication -
Determination -
Determination -
Hard Work -
Helping Others -
Ingenuity -
Inspiration -
Integrity -
Live Your Dreams -
Opportunity -
Optimism -
Overcoming -
Perseverance -
Persistence -
Rising Above -
Sacrifice -
Soul -
Strength -
Teamwork -
Unity -
Vision -
Volunteering
Your Comments
It's something we never talk about in this day and time. Gratitude. Love. Death. The circle of life.
Posted 29 days ago by Deana C from Bellevue, WA
I'm glad I get to see this billboard every time I go to school. His words are amazing and help me remember to keep trying.
Posted about 1 month ago by Ashley C. from Philadelphia, PA
Randy was so inspiring. I am happy that I was able to see his "last lecture" on television. You can learn a lot of this man.
Posted 2 months ago by Casey B from Port Murray, NJ
I am never again going to complain about something little and stupid, when this man was dying and didn't complain.
Posted 2 months ago by Kate A from Penn Manor HIgh School
I'm only on page 30 of Randy's Last Lecture and have all ready prayed that I forget how to complain about anything ever again.
Posted 2 months ago by Patrick M. from Indio Hills, CA.
These billboards are always so inspirational from so many facets of life. As a long term blood cancer patient (more than two decades and ongoing), I personally find every year to be more rewarding than the previous, life more enjoyable than ever, an inner and enriched awareness of all facets of life have become instilled in me and I continue to grow far beyond where most healthy people could ever see themselves. Randy got it and more people need to too! Seek out these billboards and let them inspire you to become a better you and in return you will find such inner rewards never thought possible. Thank you values.com
Posted 3 months ago by Ron K. from Beautiful Michigan
I have seen 4 of these billboards so far. They are a constant reminder of hope and more importantly, inspiration. Seeing the billboards remind me that life can always become more challenging...it's all how you choose to deal with it. They truly are inspiring! Thanks and I'll be looking for more.
Posted 4 months ago by Christina G from Cleveland, Ohio
The most important lesson he taught me is that the only thing that can stop you is you. I miss him, but I'm glad to know that his secret is out. That's all I could ask for.
Posted 4 months ago by Mark T. from Pittsburgh, PA
"The wall is there for a reason", from his lecture is what stuck with me the most. It is the only slogan I have ever printed and hung up in my study. It's still there! Randy is an enormous guy!
Posted 5 months ago by Gerben Groothuis from Almelo, The Netherlands
Wow, to see Randy every week when I drive down the Bayou in Louisiana to ride my horse is always inpirational for many reasons. First of all, I too was diagnosed with unresectable stage III pancreatic cancer at the end of 2006. I also went to CMU and graduated as a Chem E. And most importantly, my life was changed from my heart out because of my diagnosis. So much joy, in spite of the fear of dying, has blossomed in my life. I've learned to submit myself, to feel life, and to take in every breath in gratitude. I pray that I may help others when they are diagnosed with such a difficult cancer, it's the least I can do to give back the immeasureable love that was extended to me while I was being treated at MD Anderson. Randy's gift will be a legacy and a continued inspiration to us all.
Posted 5 months ago by Lucila C from Baton Rouge
This is one of my favorite billboards! it gives me a boost of energy every time i pass it!
Posted 5 months ago by Collin, S from Detriot,MI
I am a nurse and work in a gastroenterology clinic where we diagnose pancreatic cancer and treat patients who have pancreatic cancer. One of my co-workers recieved this book as a gift and gave us all the idea to recommend this to patients and families with new cancer diagnoses. Randy Pausch is an absolute inspiration to me and to many others and continues to help people every day with and without pancreatic cancer. His principles can be applied to anyone's life. His message is an important one.
Posted 6 months ago by Kristin K. from Milwaukee, WI
I knew about him from the ABC's interview. His life is so inspiring! I refer his book to my family members, friends. I wish people try to know him better. His life inspires people of all ages. His life is a book, yet to be fully studied and analyzed by scholars.
Posted 6 months ago by Abani S from Denver, CO
I remember my teacher talked about him like four months before he died. And I saw the billboard on my way to palm springs. I had to write down his name so I could look him up when I got home and I'm happy that i saw it he was a great man.
Posted 7 months ago by Katrina C. from Huntington Beach, CA
I just saw this billboard in Berkeley, CA... very inspired all over again to watch his lecture on YouTube. I remember the first time I watched it, truly amazing fortitude despite his predicament. That's real living, motivation, inspiration. While we yet live... Pass It On!
Posted 7 months ago by Lola B. from Oakland, CA
I just saw this billboard as I was driving, this is one of my favorite. What an inspiration!
Posted 7 months ago by Val A. from Lincoln, NE
I pass this billboard going to my boyfriend's house. It's so inspiring.
Posted 8 months ago by Nicollette C from Atlanta, GA
He is such an inspiration,
I just love your billboards
they are good for the soul..
Keep them coming.
Posted 8 months ago by Sheri W. from IN
I love your new billboards - the are absolutely the best! Is there anyway I could purchase some of the posters? You have already sent me a number of free posters which are proudly displayed in my classroom. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted 8 months ago by Cyndi M. from Cincinnati, Ohio
He is the most amazing man in the world,
my hero.
Posted 8 months ago by Rachel K. from
I love this billboard! I passed it when driving south...I am from the Chicago area. I used my iphone to look up the website....brilliant!
Posted 8 months ago by Michelle D. from West of Chicago
I think about Randy every day and thank him for all that he gave us.
Posted 9 months ago by Robert R. from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I read The Last Lecture and he was an amazing man. I have seen this billboard between seeing customers. It truly inspires me to continue keep positive and play the hand I was dealt.
Posted 9 months ago by Amy G. from Stockton, CA
I see this billboard everyday on my way home from work. It has inspired me to continue with my dreams and gives me hope. After a long day at work and feeling tired, I see Randy's face and know that I can still achieve many of my dreams.
Posted 10 months ago by Wendy V. from Syracuse, NY
He was a good man.
Posted 10 months ago by Sebastian from
I hope to meet him in heaven someday.
Posted 10 months ago by Sebastian V. from Jefferson City, MO
I read The Last Lecture this summer and was incredibly inspired. As a teacher, I know that attitude is everything, and I just have to keep it positive. Thanks, Randy, for leaving us all this legacy!
Posted 11 months ago by Jennifer W from Pasadena, CA