Why do you think Randy Pausch was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams?

I think Randy was able to achieve so many of his childhood dreams because they were specific enough to be attainable. The example I liked best was when he was talking about floating. He didn’t want to be an astronaut – he just wanted to feel what they felt when they didn’t have gravity weighing them down.

Another thing that helped him to achieve his dreams was his determination and drive. Not all people have an inner drive like he did. Unfortunately, too many people in today’s world are content to allow others to do their work for them. Instead of wanting to learn, they just want to be handed what they feel they’re entitled to. If more of us were like Randy, this world would be a much happier place. I with those who dishonestly collected handouts understood that.

Do you feel that dreaming is important? Why or why not?

Dreaming is incredibly important. Without a dream, we’re merely robots, going through daily motions waiting for life to happen to us. Dreamers make things happen. Dreamers create, achieve, adapt, apply, broaden, and satisfy. They help other people achieve their dreams. They inspire and fulfill, not only themselves, but others.

Discuss at least one of your childhood dreams. Explain why you believe you can or cannot achieve this dream.

Like many kids, I dreamt of being famous. I wanted people to know who I was. Not because I was better looking than anyone else, or smarter, or more talented. I didn’t really care what the reason was, I just wanted to be famous.

I’m certain I could achieve that dream, if I still wanted to. The world has changed and people become more famous for doing stupid things than they do for doing good things. I don’t have that dream any more. Mmm… let me rephrase. I no longer have a dream to be famous. I have a dream of having a foundation that is well-known for doing good things for people who can’t do for themselves.