The Last Lecture series gives faculty at the University of Richmond the opportunity to speak on a topic as if it was the last lecture they would ever give. I listened to Dr. Laura Knouse, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Richmond, give her “last” lecture entitled “Being Human is Hard.” Dr. Knouse’s points really opened my mind. She talks about how being a human in today’s society is harder than it has ever been because of modern technology. Dr. Knouse explained that we should be able to make ourselves happy all the time with access to much information. This is not the case, though. I have never lived in a time where information was not available in the blink of an eye, and Dr. Knouse’s talk pointed out problems that I didn’t even know I had simply because I have never experienced anything else.
Dr. Knouse then moved on to talk about a more personal topic. Her son was diagnosed with autism, and this was one of her greatest fears while she was pregnant with him. She struggled with the idea that she would not be able to connect with her son. She said that “giving others a window on your own authentic struggle, your vulnerability, is one experience that can free others to choose a vital life for themselves.” Basically, Dr. Knouse suggests that by being open with your struggles, you can help somebody with your own. It is ok to be vulnerable and accept imperfection.
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