Friday, July 25, 2008
Randy Pausch
“Hip is short term. Honest is long term.”
I had never heard of Randy Pausch. Now I am about half-way through his “Last Lecture”; it was an internet phenomenon according to Wikipedia — a million views in the first month of its appearance. In a rare case of media status being well conferred he was on Oprah and spoke with Charlie Gibson. He was told he had 3 to 6 months when the lecture was given in September 2007. His pancreatic cancer had metastasized.
Bringing art and technology together via virtual technology was the man's focus. His real achievement was in the positive aura you can practically see as he speaks; a born teacher. He clearly was loved — the audience reaction is with him, really with him, from the beginning — a loving individual. His parents did a great job raising him. No small feat. Without the fear and doubt and brittleness of ego that keeps people from growing and learning — Pausch was extroverted in the best sense — he brought people together.
I can't say I feel an enthusiasm for the projects themselves although I can appreciate the accomplishments. But that really doesn't matter. What does is the model Pausch provides of the creative, affirmative, energetic, confident spirit exploring the possibilities and overflowing with the need to share his enthusiasm.
Randy Pausch died today.
“Never lose the child-like wonder.”