Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays With Morrie

News to You

Curriculum-Taking Attendance (1-47): On page 14 Mitch reveals that he has lost contact with most of the people he knew in collage. This made me think about the importance of putting forth the effort to remain in contact with the people we care about as our lives move on. Later in this section (26) Mitch arrives at Morrie's home and is on his cell with work and sees him out front in a wheel chair. Instead of ending the call he pretends he is looking for something in the car. In hindsight Mitch questions his priorities. To act with integrity is essential and though work is important there are other considerations.

The First Tuesday -- the Fourth Tuesday (48-89): Morrie talks about putting a limit on self-pity (57). He describes himself as lucky, even with his disease. This made me think that perspective is relevant to capacity. Morrie talks about being too involved in materialistic things (84) to the detriment of relationships, both personal and with nature. In the context of our inevitable demise this section caused me to consider the value of what I appreciate.

The Fifth Tuesday -- The Tenth Tuesday (90-151): Morrie and Mitch discuss how to experience emotions (104). This lead to the consideration of the part fear plays in limiting our understanding of ourselves and the opportunities missed by not fully experiencing the events and people that affect us deeply. When Morrie and Mitch talk about the fear of aging (118) it found myself contemplating the importance of leading a fulfilling life and all that entails. It is true that if we spend the time allotted us while of this earth well than aging is not an event to be feared, but a process to be cherished.

The Eleventh Tuesday -- Conclusion (152-192): Morrie talks about the impact of our culture and how it makes us act (154). I agree that people become mean when they are threatened. Greed, envy, and power are motivations that effect how we relate with others. It is important to come to terms with these feelings and not let them dictate behavior. Morrie's perspective on forgiveness (166-167) made me realize that regrets are inevitable, but beatings yourself up over them is useless. If one should attempt to live their lives so they don't have any regrets, the significance of each moment is enhanced.

The Point

In my opinion Mitch Albom wrote this book to illustrate the qualities people should adhere to in order to live a life of meaning and purpose. In another context this book can be seen as a celebration of the life of Morrie Schwartz, and man of profound insight, grace, and influence on those around him.

The book tackles the questions we all face during the course of our lives and delivers a philosophy that we can all embrace in order to manage the diverse and difficult situations that await us. The book addresses the issues of death, fear, aging, greed, marriage, family, society, forgiveness and a meaningful life (66).

This book is chalk full of points but two caught my eye. The first theme that runs through the narrative is that what happens is not as important as how we react to what happens. For instance, Mitch graduates from collage, begins his career, and lets his work consume him. Morrie asks if he had found someone to share his heart with, if he was giving to his community, and if he was at peace with himself. Mitch wonders what happened to him and is embarrassed (34). In reality what happened to Mitch is what has happened too many before; he went to work and left behind the ideals and dreams he developed as a young man. Instead of doing what was important he chose to become important. Morrie also talks the importance knowing you are. The lack of self-understanding leads to many problems in life including choice of life partner (148), inability to find meaning in your life (136), and an insatiable need for things (125).

Connections

These are a few of the ideas expressed in the book that resonated with me.

Strong interpersonal communication is necessary to the success of intimate relationships. Respect, compromise, open communication about the events that occur between you, and a common set of values are vital ingredients in a happy marriage. My parents were divorced and I still live with the consequences of that event.

I liked advice Morrie gives Mitch on how to lead your life. I too believe that it is only through devotion to others that our lives gain meaning. Relationships are everything and by building strong ones we give our lives purpose. Mitch acknowledged that he had let the connections he had established in collage, including his relationship with Morrie lapse, and that he felt unsatisfied with his life. It is important thing is offering other what we have to give, and our most precious personal possession is or time. Demonstrating concern and sharing our stories with others adds meaning and value to our lives.