Randy Pausch is the author, narrator, and central figure of The Last Lecture, the book borne of the final lecture he gave as a computer science professor. However, the presentation isn’t just a compilation of advice for his students; it is also a love letter to his family, a legacy for his children, and an inspirational, practical guide to living a good life for all. The purpose of his lecture was telling little life stories that showed how he was able to accomplish his childhood dreams, shared in hope of inspiring others to work more assertively to achieve theirs, and to help others do the same. Randy Pausch passed away from pancreatic cancer in July 2008. He was 47 years old.

Pausch’s wife Jai was reluctant for Pausch to give this last lecture. Once Pausch received his terminal status, he only have three to six months to spend with her and their children. The date he was to give his last lecture was also her birthday, the last one they would spend together. However, she was eventually supported his decision to give the lecture because he needed to do it. Pausch first introduces Jai as “always [being his] cheerleader” (4).