In chapter 14 of The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch recalls a difficult but important conversation with his mentor, Professor Andy van Dam, who told him that his accomplishments in life would be limited by the fact that he came across as arrogant and easily offended. Pausch says that the professor talked to him like a "Dutch uncle," meaning someone who gives honest feedback without reserve.

The origins of the expression "Dutch uncle" are obscure, but to talk to someone like a Dutch uncle means more than to give honest feedback. It is to tell someone harsh and unwelcome truths in a straightforward manner, as Andy van Dam did with Pausch. An uncle is traditionally supposed to be an easygoing figure, hence the term "avuncular," from the Latin for uncle, which refers to a kindly, reassuring attitude on the part of an older man.

However, in the nineteenth century, when this expression arose, the Dutch were popularly seen as austere people, somewhat harsh in their devotion to a simple, religious life. This is similar to the stereotype of the Pennsylvania Dutch or Amish people today. It may, therefore, have been assumed that a Dutch uncle would give tougher and less friendly advice than uncles of other nationalities.