Aj the Ravenous Reader's Reviews > The Last Lecture

I find the author very thoughtful. His motivations in putting together what would be a bestselling book were very noble and because of his optimism, I sometimes forgot that this was a man just a few months into his deathbed. That’s why in retrospect, not once did his writing make the book painful and sad to read. It was actually very inspiring and informative. I have just recently read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson and it was as if Mr. Pausch lived his life according to the principles in that book. He was the exact example of a man who didn’t sweat the small stuff and lived a rather fulfilling life.

Some of my favorites from the book:

“Just because you’re in the driver’s seat doesn’t mean you have to run people over.”

“Instead of saying it’s not fair, say let’s saddle up and ride.”

“The worst ideas can have silver linings if you look hard enough.”

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

“Whether you can or can’t, you’re right.”

“It’s not how hard you hit, it’s how hard you get hit and keep moving forward.”

“One thing that makes it possible to become an optimist is to have a contingency plan when all hell breaks loose.”

“Don’t complain, just work hard.”

“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you can offer.”

“If you want something bad enough, never give up (and take a boost when offered.)”

“All you have to do is ask.”