Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Richard Dimbleby Lecture 2010 | Sir Terry Pratchett: Shaking Hands with Death


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Aired February 1, 2010 on BBC One
One of the world's most popular authors gives the 34th Richard Dimbleby Lecture from the Royal College of Physicians in London.

Sir Terry Pratchett announced in 2007 that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. In his keynote lecture, Shaking Hands with Death, he explores how modern society, confronted with an increasingly older population, many of whom will suffer from incurable illnesses, needs to redefine how it deals with death.

The acclaimed creator of the bestselling Discworld series, he is the first novelist to give the Richard Dimbleby Lecture. His books have sold more than 65 million copies and have been translated into 37 languages.

Terry Pratchett's lecture was read by his friend, Tony Robinson.
(Tip: TreVelocita)

4 comments:

  1. First time I've ever laughed out loud at a YouTube comment:

    "Alzheimer's sufferer Terry pratchett has said he was 'Flabbergasted' when he was told of his knighthood. Just like he was 'shocked' when he saw it on BBC Breakfast and 'amazed' when he later read it in the newspaper."

    It's only funny because Terry would laugh at it. :)

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  2. Thanks, Terry. Great lecture.

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  3. I completely agree with Sir TP. It is completely inhumane to not allow for any chance of assisted death. It can come with caveats like approval from a psychiatrist etc.

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  4. ".. we are rising apes, not fallen angels." Beautiful!

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