Reflections on “The Last Lecture”

Posted on August 18th, 2008 by Tariq Nelson

While traveling this weekend, I read Dr. Randy Pausch’s book “The Last Lecture“. I know that I am late, but I loved this book and highly recommend it. I loved it because it didn’t concentrate on dying, but on living. It caused me reflect on my own life and the many blessing that God has given me. I am saddened that Dr. Pausch’s children will not grow up the rest of their childhood with what I was immensely blessed to grow up with: a strong, hard working, and loving father in the home.

When I was a little boy I was so proud of my Father that I used to pretend to be him. I wanted to walk like him, talk like him and be like him in every way. As a little boy, he personified manhood to me. This is what fatherhood means to me and why I think that it is so important in a child’s life. And this is why I get so upset when someone tries to put Americans and our culture down as if we are completely devoid of any values. It is very hard for me nowadays to sit by and

Filed under: Children's Issues, Community of Compassion

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10 Responses to “Reflections on “The Last Lecture””

  1. K-Dude, on August 18th, 2008 at 6:48 am Said:

    Good post Tariq.

  2. Irisblue, on August 18th, 2008 at 8:17 am Said:

    I loved Randy Paush’s Last Lecture and I really loved this wonderful post of yours.

  3. Redwan Ahmed, on August 18th, 2008 at 12:37 pm Said:

    Good post Tariq.

  4. SisterSeeking, on August 18th, 2008 at 12:52 pm Said:

    Salaam

  5. Melba, on August 18th, 2008 at 1:56 pm Said:

    Behold the power of positive thinking!

    Great post Tariq, it made me smile:)

  6. Peaches, on August 18th, 2008 at 2:33 pm Said:

    I had to clear my mind and carefully look at his name a few times before I realized who Randy Paush was, I I looked at his face and realized that it was the man I seen on a NIGHTLINE special.

    Randy was a very inspiring man. I would have never guessed that he was ill if he hadn’t said it himself. Although he was dying , he didn’t look it. He was so spirited and never seemed that he was. There are people who aren’t physically dying, but you think would think that they are. If asked the person that I would rather be around, I would have rather been around Randy.

    I’m reminded that living/dying is not always about how we live in the physical sense, but how we view it.

  7. Margari Aziza Hill, on August 18th, 2008 at 2:36 pm Said:

    Salaam alaikum,
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Randy Pausch’s book and passing. I haven’t read the book, but I saw him on tv and watched the Last Lecture. I was definitely moved. It reminds me of Tuesdays with Morrie, which also had me crying.

    It is important that we recognize that some values are just universal, shared by all mankind. I see you trying to see the light through the darkness and hold on to what is dear is. This week we saw the passing of a number of famous figures, but each one of us can leave a legacy, one of compassion, love, and peace.

    You have caused many of us to think, question, and reevaluate some major issues. You have done so much to build community and help others. I hope you keep writing and sharing with us your thoughts.

    I will keep you and your family in my du’a.

    Allah ma’ak,
    Margari

  8. Sr. Farhanahz, on August 19th, 2008 at 3:15 am Said:

    BASMALLAH
    Assalaam aleikum.

    Ah, my beloved Brother Tariq, what an empowering piece you wrote there! I, by the Mercy of our Creator, was blessed with the most amazing father. Subhannah Allah, I loved that man and still do almost 20 years after his departure. Many of the points Professor Pausch made in his “Last Lecture”, are lessons my father thought me. The fact that Allah (SWT) is so Merciful as to allow me to learn those lessons during my lifetime, is a blessing that I don’t deserve.

    Allow me to share with you some of them (this is a blessing I should not be selfish with).

    1. Think very well what you’re gonna do at night, because the morning comes right after, and with it the Sun.

    2. Some people see the glass half empty and some, half full. You, you thank God that you have a glass.

    3. Do not waste time obssessing about anything. Let God do His work. Believe me, He does know what He’s doing.

    4. Problems? If you know you can solve them, why you worry? And if you can’t, why worry too?

    5. You want something? Work for it, because the world does not owe you anything.

    6. When you’re going up, always remember and thank those who helped you; because they’ll be the same ones you’ll find on your way down.

    7. Do not comform to the “status quo”. Always defy authority. Just don’t defy mine because you’ll find yourself in trouble.

    We’ll I better stop before someone fall sleep, lol.

  9. » Last Lecture Talk Islam, on August 19th, 2008 at 7:50 am Said:

    [...] read Dr. Randy Paucsh’s book ‘The Last Lecture’ last weekend and posted some of my reflections. I really miss authentic love… [...]

  10. parkjaehan, on August 21st, 2008 at 2:29 am Said:

    Hi.
    I just wanted to say thank you for your posting.

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