The Last Lecture

Section 2 dives into Pausch’s childhood and his love and respect for his parents. Growing up, his family was “frugal to a fault” (22). His mother was a “tough, old-school English teacher” (22), while his father sold auto insurance and helped new immigrants establish roots in America. Despite this prudence, Pausch’s parents encouraged his curiosity and imagination; he recalls that dad had an especially “infectious inquisitiveness” (22). During dinner they would frequently use the dictionary because his parents taught him that “if you have a question […] then find the answer” (22).

Pausch ends Chapter 4 by honoring his parents for their service to the world. He finds comfort in the knowledge that his dad would approve of how he’s handling his last days. He learned from his parents that “kids—more than anything else—need to know their parents love them. Their parents don’t have to be alive for that to happen” (26).

One of the ways he knew his parents loved him and wanted him to accomplish his dreams was the fact that they let him paint his bedroom with random things he liked and that demonstrated his sense of humor.