#52: Tips from Morrie for a Great Life

It’s March 1995 and Mitch Albom is casually flicking through the channels in his Detroit home. Suddenly, he hears the words from the tv – “Who is Morrie Schwartz?” – and immediately goes numb.

Morrie was a kind, fun, somewhat eccentric - but very wise, sociology professor. He loved to dance, talked to anyone and had one of those smiles, that made whoever was in his presence feel like the most important person in the world. 

He helped students to really think about connection and what it is to be human. He was everyone’s favourite teacher and Mitch was no different. Though, Morrie also had a soft spot for Mitch – they would lunch together, and Morrie became a mentor, giving life advice and jokes in equal measure.

16 years had passed however, and this was the first time Mitch had seen his old professor since graduation. Heartbreakingly, Morrie had contracted motor neurone disease (A.L.S.) and was slowly losing his functions. He still had his passion and quick wit though and was now serving them up to millions on the national chat show ‘Nightline’.

Mitch got in touch and flew out to see his mentor on a warm spring Tuesday and quickly realised that Morrie was facing his terminal sentence with both courage and equanimity. In fact, he seemed far happier and at peace than Mitch was himself. 

Mitch had left university full of good intentions, ready to live life, but had got caught up in the hustle culture – acquiring a nice home, cars and status. “I traded a lot of dreams for a bigger paycheck, and I never even realised I was doing it.”

Within a few minutes of talking with Morrie, Mitch realised he had lost his way. Morrie too was reflecting on his own life and the lessons he had learned. One meeting turned into several and over Morrie’s final few months they chatted about life’s big topics. 

Mitch captured his teacher's wisdom in the bestselling book ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ Here are some of the lessons from Morrie's final course...

WISDOM 💎

“The big things – how we think, what we value – those you must choose yourself, you can’t let anyone – or any society – determine those for you… 

the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it.”

Morrie Schwartz

Tip 1 - A SMART PLAY ✅

On meaning:

“We are too involved in materialistic things, and they don’t satisfy us. The loving relationships we have, the universe around us, we take these things for granted.”

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”

Tip 2 - AVOID 🚩

Grudges:

“Learn to forgive yourself and to forgive others.”

Tip 3 - ACTION 💪

It’s never too late to go for things…

“Do I wither up and disappear or do I make the best of my time left?... Dying is only one thing to be sad over… living unhappily is something else.”

Morrie Schwartz

P.S. Check out the book ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ – It’s a quick read and full of nuggets for life.