Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson, 20th Anniversary Edition by Mitch Alborn

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Slow down. Stop. Think.

What is life all about? What is the meaning of life? Does this truly matter?

Tuesday’s with Morrie is a collection of one dying man’s lessons on how to live a truly meaningful life.

In this book, Mitch Alborn shares his stores of the times he spent with an old college professor, Morrie Swartz, every Tuesday on this man’s final moments in life. Morrie’s gift to the world, lasting and timeless lessons on how to live. A book that I feel we could all benefit from reading now and again.

If you’ve been listening or reading my perspectives on life over the last few years you’d recognise a book that I often talk about is Top Regrets of the Dying by Bonnie Ware. As a palliative nurse, Bonnie spoke with many elderly people in their final days. And just as Morrie shared his life lessons with Mitch so did many elderly folks share their stories and regrets with Bonnie. Although I have never read her book the top regrets resonate with me deeply.

From Bonnie’s research, here they are:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so hard
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

I don’t want to live with such regrets. I don’t believe any of us do. Morrie’s life, according to this story, was lived to an old and happy age. Filled with challenges that we all face in some shape or form. Morrie found joy and meaning and a deeper understanding of what really matters in life.

As life progresses and as we all age, wisdom has the potential to develop. Wisdom is a combination of knowledge and experience. It is worth listening to the elderly and the wise. Those that have lived rich and meaningful lives. Perhaps they can share a few secrets on how to live a better life.

I understand that for the young we are often naïve, and we may be reluctant to take their advice. However, if you truly want to know what it takes to live a grand life then who better to listen to then those who have experienced it, whether they carry regrets or not. Whether they are happy or sad. There are lessons to be had.

In Tuesday’s with Morrie, there are many great lessons. I would suggest that it’s a blend of philosophy and religious beliefs. Perspectives on living a purposeful life. Characterised by a eudemonistic journey or pursuit compared to a hedonistic pursuit. Don’t be guided by self-indulgent and fruitless paths towards pleasure but rather by moral and right actions that develop an inner sense of happiness or enlightenment.

I feel in life we must take courage to ask the big questions. Focus inwardly and seek our own answers through self-study, examination and experience. It is using this progressively discovered wisdom that will connect one to correct behaviours and actions that navigate us towards meaning and purpose. Understanding the fundamentals of being human – relationships, health, expression and serving others.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a beautiful story of one student and the lessons his mentor parts with him before his departure. Capturing, what I suppose many would agree are essential things to consider on our journey forward. Why wait to figure these life lessons out through experience. Listen to what is shared. Take note. And use it to guide yourself towards a greater experience in life. A greater movement towards happiness.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Tuesdays with Morrie here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

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American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

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Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.