The Last Lecture: Chapter 38 Summary & Analysis

Randy loves clichés. Randy says educators shouldn’t shy away from clichés, because oftentimes young people haven’t heard them, and old clichés can sometimes be inspirational. Randy lists off many clichés and their virtues. “Dance with the one who brung you” offers a reminder about loyalty and appreciation. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” has been around for 2,000 years and should last at least another 2,000, Randy believes. “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right,” affirms Randy’s feelings about positivity shaping reality. “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?” reiterates Randy’s reminder not to focus on little issues while ignoring major ones.

Randy also loves pop culture clichés, including Superman (“Truth, justice, and the American Way”), Rocky (“It’s not how hard you hit. It’s how hard you get hit…and keep moving forward”), and most of all, Randy loves football clichés. Oftentimes, Randy’s computer science students would have trouble adjusting to his football metaphors, but they eventually figured them out. He repeatedly told them to “win one for the Gipper,” to “go out and execute,” to “keep the drive alive,” to “avoid costly turnovers,” and to “win games in the trenches even if they were gonna feel it on Monday.” Randy’s students knew: “It’s not how you win or lose, it’s how you play the cliché.”