Problem
A. If you had to vanish tomorrow, what words of wisdom would you impart to those you love?
B. Randy Pausch "lectured" because he was a lecturer. What method of communication makes you, personally, most comfortable when you have to focus on serious, sensitive issues? Is it speaking? Is it writing? Is it avoidance until the last possible second? Discuss.
C. Why do you believe it was necessary for Randy to show his CT scans at the beginning of the lecture?
D. Randy said that he realized many of his dreams because he had terrific parents. What lessons, in your opinion, are there in Randy's story for people who have had less-fulfilling childhoods or absentee parents?
E. In his talk, Randy encouraged parents to allow children to paint on their bedroom walls. "As a favor to me," he said, "let them do it. Don't worry about the home's resale value." What do you believe Randy is really asking you to do? Why is this important?
F. Randy believed our critics are often the ones saying they still care about us. This was the case when Randy's coach constantly criticized him at practice. How, in your own life, has a critic helped you become a better person?
G. Throughout the book, Randy says, "Brick walls are there for a reason. They're not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something." What are the brick walls that you've faced in your life? In other words, what was the most difficult experience with which you had to cope and overcome?
H. Despite Randy's diagnosis and condition, he decided to adopt a positive attitude. Have there been people in your life who've faced the challenge of serious illness? What did you learn from them?
I. Throughout the book, Randy makes a distinction between "people" and "things." What did you think of his decision to empty that can of soda in the back seat of his car? Can you think of a time when you wished that your parents had had that same attitude when it came to you and something that you accidentally (or purposely) damaged?
J. Everyone seems to have a different "favorite" moment in this book. It might have made you laugh, or it might have caused you great sadness. Please tell us...what was your favorite part of The Last Lecture?
K. As you read the final chapter of the book, what were the emotions that you were feeling? How would you describe the legacy of Randy Pausch?