A Life Lesson That Can Never Be Taught

As I was reading Tuesdays with Morrie for my Death and Dying class, there were many life lessons I discover that was really inspiring. One of Morrie Schwartz’s main philosophies is that we live life day to day without any meaning or purpose. We have goals and yet we choose not to follow them, we tend to choose money, power, and status above what is most important than anything else, love and companionship. Materialism and our culture’s values have shaped us into an “unwashed mass”. We are brainwashed by the items we own and view money as the holy alter for human life. Yes money does lead to status and a strong life, but what’s important is establishing a loving relationship with others. You can’t take money or power after you die. The materials you posses are gone after you die, but your love and influence can last eternally.

I am surprised that someone who is dying from ALS and only have few months to live can be so confident and optimistic. To him, life is a glass half full. Since he is dying, he won’t let the disease take control of his life. Morrie Schwartz lives by the main life principle; you live once so make it worth-while. He is a strong man who refuses to give up, instead he takes advantage of the time he has left and spread his teachings and discussions on dying to the whole world. This influential man reached beyond his barriers to provide us with extravagant knowledge on living life and dying. “Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.”~Morrie Schwartz 

There was a poem I came across that relates to Morrie’s teachings in Mitch’s book. It’s called O me! O Life! By Walt Whitman. This poem stresses the importance of attempting to make meaning from life with the sense of nonexistence. You are the life and identity that brings meaning to seize the day (Carpe Diem) Morrie teaches that when your life is empty, find a purpose to fill the hole. To take control and do something that will make a difference is better than sitting on your butt and being depressed. After all, look how Morrie turned out to be.

“When life gives you lemons, you can ask for a receipt and return the box, OR you can get some salt and tequila and throw a major party.” Always Stay Positive!!