Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Last Lecture

As 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.

Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Exuberant “Last Lecture”

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, consultant, and CEO of The Success Doctor, Inc. 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.

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Posted by Michel Fortin on September 23rd, 2007. Filed in News, Opinions, Personal. Tagged as cancer, dream, dying, goal, lecture, lesson, life, positive, university. Follow responses through the RSS feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

19 Replies to “Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Last Lecture”

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From Schaefer On Copywriting » The Last Lecture of a Dying Man

[...] days ago, Michel Fortin made this post showing the video of Randy Pausch’s “Last Letcture”. The 47 year-old professor [...]
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Source Website September 25th, 2007
From Internet Business 101 » Costa Rica Update

[...] michelfortin.com/dying-47-year-old-professor-gives-last-lect… [...]
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Source Website September 25th, 2007
From Web 2.0 Copywriting Workshop Pre-Announcement » Copywriting Blog By Copywriter Michel Fortin

[...] Isaac, who commented on a previous blog post in which I said I was preparing for my upcoming Web 2.0 copywriting workshop, was upset with me. [...]
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Source Website September 27th, 2007
From A life fulfilled. - Ed Rivis

[...] Here’s the link: michelfortin.com/dying-47-year-old-professor-gives-last-lect… [...]
Reply http://www.michelfortin.com\/dying-47-year-old-professor-gives-last-lecture\/ […]’); return false;”>Quote

Source Website October 1st, 2007
From It’s Linkbombing Time! - 10/02/07

[...] Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Last Lecture [...]
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Source Website October 2nd, 2007
From links for 2007-10-20 | Funny Stuff is all around

[...] Dying 47-Year-Old Professor Gives Last Lecture » Copywriting Blog By Copywriter Michel Fortin (tags: death inspiration motivation) [...]
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Source Website October 19th, 2007

Comments

From Ricky Breslin

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.
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Author's Website September 23rd, 2007
From jacques frydman

thank you so much for pointing this to us!! genuinely great and powerful inspiration for life!
Reply Quote

Author's Website September 23rd, 2007
From Elizabeth Nichols

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.
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Author's Website September 24th, 2007
From 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
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Author's Website September 24th, 2007
From Hank

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.
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Author's Website September 24th, 2007
From Joel

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…
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Author's Website September 25th, 2007
From Mike Young

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.
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Author's Website September 25th, 2007
From 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
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Author's Website September 27th, 2007
From 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
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Author's Website September 27th, 2007
From Julie

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!!!
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Author's Website September 27th, 2007
From Michel Fortin

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!
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Author's Website September 27th, 2007
From Tracy

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
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Author's Website October 2nd, 2007
From Ann

Micheal..Thank you
Watch it from beginning to end…
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Author's Website November 21st, 2007

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