"In the beginning of life, when we were infants, we need others to survive, right? And at the end of life, when you get like me, you need others to survive, right? But here's the secret: in between, we need others as well."
I'm about ten years behind in reading this book but it was fabulous. I found myself drawn to the story and found myself growing from the insight of the dying man. I won't say much about this book as much has already been said and written. This book was suggested to me by my mom. The synopsis is: (if you've been living under a rock and never heard of it) A young man hears about the impending death of his favorite college professor Morrie Shwartz from ALS. He decides to go visit him one last time and while he is there he gets suckered into coming again the next week until he is flying to Boston from Detroit EVERY TUESDAY to see him and learn from him. It is a true story and I've since watched several youtube videos of Morrie on nightline.
The thing that I found most interesting is that Morrie was so dependent on everyone and wasn't ashamed. Many times in life when I have been faced with a difficulty I struggle to ask for help and even if help is offered I struggle still. I don't want to show vulnerability or put people out. I have decided I need to reconcile with my struggle and learn to let people serve me. Morrie said we need to "have compassion and take responsibility for each other."
I think because Morrie was full of wisdom the best way to talk about the book is to share some of my favorite quotes:
"What's wrong with being number two?"
"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
"...if you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone."
"Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness."
"Aging is not just decay...It's growth."
"Don't let go too soon but, but don't hang on too long."
"The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family."
"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. 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."
I'm about ten years behind in reading this book but it was fabulous. I found myself drawn to the story and found myself growing from the insight of the dying man. I won't say much about this book as much has already been said and written. This book was suggested to me by my mom. The synopsis is: (if you've been living under a rock and never heard of it) A young man hears about the impending death of his favorite college professor Morrie Shwartz from ALS. He decides to go visit him one last time and while he is there he gets suckered into coming again the next week until he is flying to Boston from Detroit EVERY TUESDAY to see him and learn from him. It is a true story and I've since watched several youtube videos of Morrie on nightline.
The thing that I found most interesting is that Morrie was so dependent on everyone and wasn't ashamed. Many times in life when I have been faced with a difficulty I struggle to ask for help and even if help is offered I struggle still. I don't want to show vulnerability or put people out. I have decided I need to reconcile with my struggle and learn to let people serve me. Morrie said we need to "have compassion and take responsibility for each other."
I think because Morrie was full of wisdom the best way to talk about the book is to share some of my favorite quotes:
"What's wrong with being number two?"
"Death ends a life, not a relationship."
"...if you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone."
"Money is not a substitute for tenderness, and power is not a substitute for tenderness."
"Aging is not just decay...It's growth."
"Don't let go too soon but, but don't hang on too long."
"The fact is, there is no foundation, no secure ground, upon which people may stand today if it isn't the family."
"So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. 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."
***So this is a little bonus review for the week as I have already written my review on "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy which will be published tomorrow. I was lucky enough to travel to California for a quick visit with Rosalie and on the way I listened to the book on CD. It was read by the author which I think made it all the more interesting***
1 comment:
You made me want to read this book again. It is a great book and very thought provoking!! I'm glad you are back safe from California.
Post a Comment