Existentialists look at life differently, and so does Morrie. Where others would become depressed about their growing dependency on others, Morrie sees it as a chance to "experience" being a baby again, something that was important in his life but he no longer remembers. He has a different way of looking at things, and this seems like a better way to manage the stresses of life. Not eternal optimism, but instead, looking to see if there is something interesting or even challenging in the stress that can become a catalyst for change or growth, rather than stagnation and depression.
Personally, most people are afraid of aging and dying, and yet, it is the only thing in life that is absolutely certain, and so it is futile to fear it. Instead of facing his death with fear, like many people do, Morrie faces it with strength and humor. That does not mean he does not have his moments of despair. Sometimes he is fearful, sometimes he is optimistic, and sometimes he is simply angry. It is difficult to imagine how a person could remain so positive and upbeat even as his body disintegrates around him. Not many people in the world could be so courageous, and so inspiring to others. It also seems that we no longer value the wisdom of our elders, and that when people get old in our society, they are "tossed out" like garbage to live in nursing homes and hospitals, while the young, "vital" generation ignores them and the wisdom they have to offer. There are many Morrie's out there. He got to tell his story, but there are thousands of others that do not, and that seems like a sad waste of good lives.
The book made this reader think about aging and dying in a different light. Death has always been frightening and terrifically sad, and losing someone close has been extremely traumatic. Now it seems as if living more authentically, and making happier, wiser decisions, can take some of that pain and fear away. It also makes it clear that aging in our society is almost as bad as death itself, and that our culture does not encourage happiness or authentic life, but rather it encourages a work ethic like the author's...
Mitch and Janine also talk to Morrie about marriage. Morrie calls it an important life experience all should have. In learning about another within marriage one continues to learn about oneself. By the 11th Tuesday Morrie has become extremely helpless. In this session, Mitch is able to shed his self-consciousness about Morrie's increasingly infantile needs, in order to help Morrie breathe, which is now very, very difficult. They also hold
Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom recounts the afternoons he spent with his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, after discovering that Morrie was dying from ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). For anyone interested in the study of death and dying, the book is a tremendous resource. When we speak about death speculatively or theoretically, many of us fantasize about living a long healthy life and then dying quite suddenly
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
Tuesdays With Morrie Physically: How is Morrie eating? "He was eating mostly liquid supplements, with perhaps a bran muffin tossed in until it was mushy and easily digested." "He was taking food through a straw. I still shopped every week and walked in with bags to show him, but it was more for the look than anything else." "He had begun to cough while eating, and chewing was a chore." How is Morrie talking? "When you're in
He sometimes admits he is afraid, but for the most part, he is very dignified and brave in how he faces death. He is also remarkable candid, and that is quite appealing too. There is another reason that I identify with him as well, and that is because he helps Mitch, even though he is dying. He is very selfless, and he worries more about other people than he
.....deathbed, Morrie reflects on his life, and relays several messages about the meaning or purpose of life. Ironically, one of the main messages of the story is that life does not necessarily have a greater or cosmic meaning. Meaning is found in what is immediately before us, in the day-to-day existence and especially in relationships with others. Life's meaning is found in accepting life for what it is rather than
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