Dr. Randy Pausch-The Last Lecture? Only Perhaps.

May 01, 2008


Pompeii, lay totally buried in volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, forgotten until it was discovered in 1739 by workmen who were preparing to build a palace for the King of Naples.

The literal and sudden snuffing of a well ordered civilization, estimated at 20,000 people, captured a complete moment in archaeological time. That day is on 'permanent pause' allowing for endless study and contemplation.

Among the millions of artifacts to be studied, or just pondered, are Latin inscriptions. Whether formally carved, painted, or scrawled by "lower class" graffiti artists, the inscriptions alone have spawned entire academic industries. Latin signage continues worldwide today, even though the language is dead.

Among the political, the nods to gods and goddesses, the mundane, profane, and even erotic, there was one inscription that was quite common. Above many doorways in the ancient city, was found a little reminder of life's unpredictability. It read:

ULTIMA FORSAN

The literal translation is: "Perhaps the last", but the metaphoric is as endless, as it is timeless.

Here is a clip from ABC and "The Last Lecture" of Dr. Randy Pausch. A remarkable man battling pancreatic cancer, his Last Lecture, a tradition at Carnegie Mellon University, has been featured and lauded worldwide. This is only a little snippet. If you're interested, there is so much more, and hopefully more to come.

The Last Lecture? Perhaps the last. Then again, perhaps not!





___________________________________