The Last Lecture

By Randy Pausch, Jeffrey Zaslow,

Book cover of The Last Lecture

Book description

A lot of professors give talks titled The Last Lecture. Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

3 authors picked The Last Lecture as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I decided to read this book after watching Dr. Pausch’s presentation about his last lecture before his death and the advice he would give on achieving your childhood dreams. The video had gone viral, and it strongly resonated with me.

What I love about this book is it shows how one can live a fulfilling life while facing difficult circumstances. It showed me how one can accomplish one’s dreams in sometimes unexpected ways.

From Carlos' list on inspiring personal growth.

Randy Pausch demonstrates the power of determination and resilience in finding meaning and purpose in work and life.

Through Pausch's journey of becoming a Disney Imagineer—despite his initial setbacks—he showcases the importance of pursuing one's passions and living with intention. Pausch taught me to be dissatisfied with the status quo when it comes to building on your purpose. We must push for our purpose in both work and life.

His experiences serve as a vivid example of how to align personal values with one's professional life, thus helping to foster a sense of purpose. Pausch offers a concrete roadmap to…

This is a book I give my own nieces and nephews and siblings and my father and mother; to my clients who are leaders at all levels; who are people at all levels trying hard to succeed and trying hard to be good people; trying to be happy.  

This was written by a beautiful, brilliant man who learned he was dying soon of cancer and wanted to capture the lessons he wanted to leave for his baby children who would never know him. It's short and brilliant and will have you crying, laughing, nodding, and learning every step of the…

Want books like The Last Lecture?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Last Lecture.

Browse books like The Last Lecture

Book cover of Man’s Search for Meaning
Book cover of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Book cover of Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in human behavior, computer science, and cancer?

Human Behavior 34 books
Computer Science 35 books
Cancer 125 books