In these first few chapters Pausch sets the stage for the very real and difficult task ahead of him: He is preparing for his last lecture as a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University. The talk is his chance to impart some final wisdom to the university’s student body; it’s also an opportunity to leave behind a legacy for his three children.

While the idea of a last lecture is somewhat exciting, it is also daunting. Pausch has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer; his doctors estimate he only has a few months left to life. His wife Jai argues that “any time [he’ll] spend working on this lecture is lost time, because it’s time away from the kids and from [her]” (4-5). However, the lecture gives a sense of purpose to Pausch, who regards it as a wonderful opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful reflection about what matters most to him, “to cement how people will remember [him], and to do whatever good [he] can on the way out” (7). His desire to give a last lecture isn’t about vanity but dignity and self-esteem, which become his main motivation.

Pausch realizes that the unique story of his life is that he accomplished nearly all his childhood dreams.