Written by Michel Fortin
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Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Last Lecture

Powerful last lecture from dying professorAs I’m going through some videos to prepare for my upcoming Web 2.0 video copywriting workshop in Los Angeles, I stumbled upon this amazing video.

If you ever wanted to attend a “lecture of a lifetime,” this would be it. With only 4-5 months left to live, this university professor gave his last lecture. It’s probably the best one I’ve ever seen. Ever.

If you want some important lessons about reaching goals, achieving dreams, the power of enthusiasm, and lessons that will literally transform you, then watch it. Watch it from beginning to end…

… And then try to keep your eyes dry.

I dare you.

Here he is on Good Morning America.

There’s a 30-second commercial at the beginning, but watch it. It’s one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen.

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Michel Fortin is a direct response copywriter, author, speaker, and consultant. Visit his blog and signup free to get tested conversion strategies and response-boosting tips by email, along with blog updates, news, and more! Go now to http://www.michelfortin.com. While you're at it, follow him on Twitter.

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Category: Opinions / Personal / Recordings
Tags: cancer, Copywriting, dream, dying, goal, lecture, lesson, life, positive, university
This post was written on Sunday, September 23rd, 2007. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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  • MIchel, my mom actually sent me this a few days ago. The lecture left me thinking on an even deeper level on why I do what I do.

    You're right, it's the best lecture, ever.
  • jacques frydman
    thank you so much for pointing this to us!! genuinely great and powerful inspiration for life!
  • Thank you, Michael for sharing Pausch's last lecture. I will forever view my brick walls differently after this lecture, and will push on through many more of them. I'll bring out the Tigger more and the Eyeore less. I'll learn to fake out the anxiety that occurs every time I have to do something techie. After all, it's just a game. So is life.
  • Kelly
    This is also what I want to do if I know I have only months to live - keep my family and friends happy. Yes, this is the best lecture and understandable a man of action will not wallow in self-pity...and that's admirable. No doubt he will leave a legacy (lessons learmt that formal education does not teach) after his death. P.S. Will someone please tell him to change his diet - it might help him to beat death! ---> http://www.mercola.com
  • That was awesome Michel. For anyone wondering what a copywriter can take from this, consider some of Pausch's advice that he leave for his children:

    1. You can't get there alone.
    2. Tell the truth.
    3. Focus on others -- not yourself.
    4. Get a feedback loop -- and listen to it.
    5. Don't complain. Just work harder.
    6. Be good at something: it makes you valuable.
    7. Be prepared: "luck" is where preparation meets opportunity.
    8. Find the best in everybody.
  • Bonjour Michel

    Wonderful video, so full of life and dignity.

    So many lessons learned...it feels good to
    be part of the human family...

    Hope to find you and Sylvie in good health
    and smiling.


    Cordialement

    Joel Bomane from Sunny Sudden France

    P.S: Thumbs up already:-) for your upcoming product...
  • Thoroughly agree with your assessment, Michel. Incredible speech.

    Puts personal and business priorities in perspective.

    Let's hope he gets to spend plenty of quality time with his wife and three kids.
  • adrianbrown13@hotmail.com
    Quite the most moving and motivating lecture on so many levels I have ever seen or heard.
    I have learned so many things from this man in a couple of hours, a true inspiration,and should be required watching for all ages.
    thank you
  • Joe Faia
    Hi Michel,

    A moving, touching tour de force. There are many lessons here, not the least of which is his decision to comport himself with the highest dignity and valiance in light of what would make most men crumble.

    Thanks for sharing this with us

    Joe Faia
  • Thank you for posting this, Michel.

    This is the first time, since you announced it in May, that I've seen you write about your Web 2.0 Copywriting workshop. Are you still planning it for the weekend of November 10th? I've been holding that weekend open since I heard your plans, but finally gave up, figuring you must have postponed it. Just last week, I signed up for something else that weekend. Please tell me I'm not going to miss your workshop!!!
  • Absolutely, Julie. The salesletter is not up yet, but you can certainly join the notification list (it's only to announce when the web page is up):

    http://www.newmediacopywriting.com/

    I appreciate your interest! I think I'll do a mailout to my list to notify them of this, too. Thanks for warning me!
  • Micheal..Thank you so much for letting us watch the video of Randy.
    He is a great example to man kind!! He gave many life lessons,but the most important ones to me was,Live life with great passion and have fun!!
    Don't forget the kid in all of us,and to keep Dreaming!!!

    Thank You

    Tracy Hill
  • Ann
    Micheal..Thank you
    Watch it from beginning to end...
  • My dear friends, Randy Pausch, author of the Last Lecture, has passed away this morning.

    http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obi...
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