Letting Go: Morrie's Reflections on Living While Dying

by Morrie Schwartz

In 1994 at the age of 77, former sociology professor Morrie Schwartz learned he had amyotrohic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's incurable, progressively disabling, eventually fatal.
Morrie embarked on his greatest teaching sharing his evolving knowledge of living and dying. Morrie speaks directly to America's fear of illness and difficulty in letting go of life, writing with the compassion and pragmatism only someone who has been there can have.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Inspirational, Self Help, Spirituality, Philosophy

126 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first met Morrie Schwartz via Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays With Morrie. Instantly, I felt the draw to this guy. I finally took the time to read Morrie's book. Man, am I glad I did.

This book is full of practical advice. Morrie's aphorisms are straightforward and simple. As I neared the completion of this book, it became so clear to me just how beautiful a gift Morrie gave us all. His words are just as good for those healthy as well as ill. I just hope that people the world over who are in need of wisdom while either facing death or tremendous adversity find the good fortune in learning from this wonderful man. His soul is revealed in this book and it is such a beautiful one. Morrie dared to do things most wouldn't, he shared his experience of living with the knowledge death was close at hand.

I wouldn't hesitate to rec this book to anyone able to read or hear its contents.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think “Morrie” would be an excellent book for those that know they are at death’s door and/or for people with loved ones approaching death. I do not find myself in either of those situations, so the book wasn’t as relevant to me at this stage of my life. The author stated, “Learn how to live, and you’ll know how to die; learn how to die, and you’ll know how to live.” The book includes Morrie’s wisdom on dying and living based on his years as a sociology professor and finally on his battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

I thought Morrie’s aphorisms made sense for those approaching death and/or caring for a loved one approaching death. I don’t know how much of that translates to the “knowing how to live” part of the quote above unless it just helps you put some perspective on what is important in your life. There were several excellent quotes in the book including, “This is God talking and he’s saying, ‘You would not be seeking me if you had not already found me.’” That quote comes from Morrie’s advice on developing a spiritual connection.

As a Christian, I thought the spirituality aspect of the book was a bit weak. Morrie said gave up on agnosticism in favor of spiritualism. It seemed like he was looking for a feeling and/or some kind of sign, but he never really developed a true faith in God. I do hope that people will seek God as death draws near, and that they will find true peace in knowing that there is victory over death for those that are faithful. I realize Morrie, as well as many readers, would not appreciate my Christian viewpoint, but I’m hopeful this section of the book could lead one to Christ. If not, perhaps it could lead one to some kind of peace that makes dying an easier reality.

[Sadie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tuesdays with Morrie, so I had to read Morrie's own book full of his wisdom. This book is very simple and easy to read. It's short life lessons to consider with personal examples from Morrie's own experience as he battles ALS. Those who knew Morrie in real life were blessed.

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morrie Schwartz is the man from the Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, and he suffers a neurodegenerative disease called ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis .

He is well known for words of wisdom, touching many people's lives all over the world. He is truly an admirable man because he didn't let himself down despite experiencing of a slow death. I really find this book comforting and inspiring. Morrie's words are unforgettable and I would like to thank him man for sharing his life lessons. I'm very looking forward to read Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom.

I highly recommend this book. If you feel stressed, just read this book and reflect.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was only $1.99 on a Kindle Daily Deal today and since I really liked Tuesdays with Morrie I had been meaning to read this anyway so I grabbed it. I am actually glad it was only a couple bucks because it is too short to spend $10 on but I liked it. I took a walk this afternoon and read as I walked. It only took about an hour and it made me more aware of the sunshine (maybe partly because this is only the 2nd sunny day we have had this year) and beauty around me as I walked. Cheesy, I know but it was just a quick little feel good read. It also helped me to understand how to deal with illness. I am so bad at knowing what to do for someone when they are ailing and this was enlightening. It was not really anything that wasn’t covered in Albom’s book, but I liked hearing Morrie’s voice and how his illness affected him and those around him.

[Grant Trevarthen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A,few years ago, I watched the TV movie 'Tuesday's With Morrie', starring Jack Lemmon, who played Morrie in his last screen appearance and Hank Azaria, who was the dog-walker on the sitcom 'Mad About You', he played Mitch Ablom, who was one of Morrie's students at Brandeis University. He ended up caring full time for Morrie in his last days.

In this book,which is the thoughts and philosophies of Morrie, we a privileged to read the inner most feelings of a very brave spiritual person. Although obviously in pain both physically and emotionally, we learn of his acceptance of his situation, and his insights into life.
Having a physical disability myself I can only hope to be like him in some way.
This book is essential reading, you will experience the full gamut of emotions.

[Rick Ludwig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing from Morrie Schwartz, in his own words. I love Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" and nothing will touch me like that book did. But getting to hear Morrie tell his aphorisms and the related stories is a joy. I wish I could have known this man at any time in his teaching career or beyond. He was one of a kind. He sounds a bit more professorial in this work and that is all to the good. There is a lot of repetition from what Albom captured, but there is also new material here. I am grateful for this experience.

[Priyanka Kanagaraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will always and forever stay close to my heart . Morrie is definitely one of my greatest inspirations ever . Thinking about the lessons that I've learned from this book , it was one of the sole reasons that helped me grow as a person , and appreciate my life . When gifted with all the things that we exactly need to live a happy life , we humans still complain and worry about what we don't have . This book definitely made me overcome my fear of failure , aging , and the fear of growing up to a wholesome person. must read for everyone who is need for a good book .

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story into a man who is struck out of the blue with Lou Gehrig's disease. For me it hits close to home having my wife Gloria deal with this devastating disease. It help me deal with what I was going through. But I did not read the book until Gloria had been called by God. I still miss it but by reading Morrie: In His Own Words I was able to get another perspective on this terrible illness.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. I didn't love it. I read "Tuesdays With Morrie so I knew Morrie's story. The book is meant to be helpful, but I found it to be primarily depressing - a just a little inspiring. I guess I'm glad that I read it. I wanted to know more about Morrie. Now I do. That about sums it up.

[Jesse Wren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more wisdom in terms of how to live. Instead, it felt like he was giving wisdom in terms of how to die. Synonymous? Perhaps? It was a quick and easy read.

[Krysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Im going to die, but I’m also going to live on. In some other form? Who knows? But I believe that I am part of a larger whole.”

Tuesdays with Morrie has been a staple in my life since I first read it almost four years ago, and peering inside of Morrie’s brain in this book was such a wonderful experience. Morrie truly lives on as part of a larger whole-teaching acceptance and humanity to those who may be struggling.

[Mohit Virmani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book talks about the values that a person realises once he is on death bed. Professor Morris who is suffering from ALS embraces the ageing, in expressing that one who is ageing would have richer experiences than a younger person. You learn more as you grow old. These lessons are given by the professor to his student on every Tuesday. Each Tuesday the student observes the professor's health deteriorating, but Morris never laments it. ALS is same disease which Stephen Hawking has, who uses technology aids to speak and do a few other things. Morris says that he doesn't want to use these aids as he wouldn't be able to die peacefully with these. He says that one must learn to forgive ourselves as well as others.

Some of the best quotes from the book:
- Age is not a competitive issue.
- Love is the ultimate winner always and the only rational act.
- Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.
- Love is what keeps you alive even after you are gone.
- Death ends a life, not a relationship.
- The important questions have to do with love, responsibility, spirituality, awareness.
- Make peace with living.
- Death is as natural as life.
- Don't let go too soon, and don't hang on for too long.
- Invest in human family. Invest in people. Build a community of those you love and who love you.
- Common thread of marriage- your belief in the importance of marriage.
- Every night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn. - MK Gandhi
- Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow float equally between everyone.
- Let it go.
- At seventy five, he was giving as an adult and taking as a child.
- I don't want the fear to control me. I see it for what it is.
- Don't cling to things, everything is impermanent.
- When you are realise that you are going to die, you see everything very differently.
- Everyone knows they are going to die, but nobody believes it.
- A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
- When I have friends and loving relationships around me, I am very up.
- We all need teachers in our life.
- Death is a great equaliser, it lets us shed tear for one another.


The main theme is love and importance focussing on important things in life which have a meaning and a purpose. You learn how to live, once you have learnt how to die.

[Della Tingle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read Tuesdays with Morrie, so I was excited to read this book written by Morrie himself. I did not realize his aphorisms were so focused on death and dying. I thought they were for all people at any stage of life. I shortened a few of Morris’s aphorisms down to really mean the most to me in my life as it is today.

“Recognize that your body is not your total self, only part of it” (13).

“You don’t have to be nice all the time—-just most of the time” (22).

“Make an agreement with your family and friends to remind you when you are depressed, anxious, despairing, or lacking in composure that you do not want to stay that way” (37).

“Expect to feel like a dependent child and an independent adult at different times” (44).

“Accept the past as past, without denying it or discarding it. Reminisce about it, but don’t live in it. Learn from it, but don’t punish yourself about it or continually regret it. Don’t get stuck in it” (53).

“Look at the past and ask, ‘What can I learn from it? What did I learn? How does it help me right now?’” (54).

“Forgive yourself for all the things you didn’t do that you should have and all the things that you did do that you shouldn’t have. Get rid of the guilt. Negative feelings don’t do you much good. The way to deal with them is to forgive yourself and forgive others” (56).

“It may be too late for you to do some things, but there are always other opportunities for you to be involved in something” (65).

“Everyone has the opportunity to be involved with people and make a contribution to others. Even a smile of encouragement to someone who is having a bad day can make you that person’s inspiration” (68).

“Be generous, decent, and welcoming” (70).

“If you’re lonely, it’s not too late to develop new friendships or reconnect with people you’ve known” (70-71).

“When you act like a kind and generous person, you eventually become one” (72).

“Be loving, compassionate, and gentle toward yourself. Befriend yourself. Do not put yourself down or criticize yourself continuously” (88).

“When we have doubts, we tend to surrender to the doubt, rather than doubt the doubt” (104).

“If you act in a certain way, you might feel that way” (106).

“The more committed you are to living an ethical life, the less you have to fear having your life come to an end” (126).

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

For everyone who enjoyed the inspiration and wisdom of Morrie Schwartz in Mitch Albom’s moving bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie, here is a new paperback edition of Morrie’s own book, presenting the philosophies by which he triumphantly lived, even as he faced the end of his life.

For decades Morrie Schwartz engaged his Brandeis University students in the importance of community and involvement in life. Ever the teacher, in his last year, as his battle with the fatal illness amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually weakened him, he appeared on three memorable Nightline programs with Ted Koppel, simply titled “Morrie,” captivating millions of viewers across the country with his spirit and compassion.

Before he died, Morrie finished the manuscript for this book, which he saw as his greatest teaching opportunity. Whether you or a loved one is healthy or ill, young or old, there is invaluable wisdom here that can enrich your life. From “handling frustration” and “reaching acceptance” to “relating to others” and “being kind to yourself,” Morrie’s life-affirming insights help you take stock of where you are now and where you may want to be.

Morrie: In His Own Words will have a lasting impact on whoever reads it. It is Morrie’s invaluable legacy to us all.

“In this book, Morrie teaches one last great class, on acceptance, on wresting victory from the jaws of defeat, on the honor of dependency, on moral courage, growth, and joy. It is impossible to read this book and not learn some important things about being alive. Even the most lackluster pupil will benefit from Morrie’s intelligence, candor, and thoughtfulness.”—Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia

pub 2008

[H Hamid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy read, and so very worth it. I say easy and not quick, because though I could have devoured this in a few hours max, it took me days and days to go through this book because most lines had such depth to them that I sat & mulled things over, turned them around in my head, contemplated, made connections... etc. (The mark of a great book in my opinion - it holds things that make you stop & go 'hmmmm').

Reading this book by Morrie makes me wish, more than ever, that I had known this man - as a mentor, grandfather figure, friend. There is such a gentle strength about him that comes across in his writing and his wisdom. None of the ideas are necessarily new, but presented in his context of illness in such a compassionate and humble way really strikes a chord; it makes me strive to see the 'Morrie' in myself, and in everyone around me.

This is the first book I ever bought without first reading it, and have a sneaking suspicion that it will be very well-loved and re-read time and again, always with fresh eyes and something new gleaned from the seemingly simple words on the page.

*Of course I was enamored of Morrie ever since I'd read Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" years ago, so this review is likely quite biased.

[Barbara Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morrie was a college professor at Brandeis. He also was a man suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). As the crippling disease progressed, he lost more and more of his independence and needed care as his body weakened and he was able to do activities of daily living on his own.

As a teacher, Morrie is teaching us all one more lesson before he dies. He is telling us in his own words what he has learned about living, dying and enduring a debilitating disease. It sounds like it would be a dark and scary book to read - but it is not. He is an incredible person - very thoughtful and insightful. Despite what he has lived through he continues to see the blessings in his life and continues to show compassion and understanding for the people who love him and what they are going through as they watch his disease progress. It's a manaul on how to LIVE with a debilitating disease.

Fans of "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom will especially enjoy this book. Mitch was a student of Morrie's and he wrote a book about his experiences meeting with Morrie as his disease progressed.

I recommend "Morrie". It is a quick read (127 pages). It's time well spent!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morrie's take on mourning yourself before you die and appreciating life is a lesson for all of us whether you are sick or not. His book also helped me to understand my father's probable range of emotions as he confronted the end of his life. Very interesting, a little somber, but Morrie's lessons are beautiful and reassuring. I recommend this book to someone who knows the end of life is near, who has a family member who is ill, or someone who wants to be prepared for the end of life in a peaceful, accepting way because after all "It's natural to die. When we were born we made a contract (whether we knew it or not) that we were going to die."
~~
"Learn how to live, and you'll know how to die; learn how to die, and you'll know how to live." -Morrie

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent companion to "Tuesdays with Morrie." It's great to hear the words and wisdom directly from the man himself. Although, I have to say that I enjoyed "Tuesdays" more since it was a narrative story rather than simply wisdom literature. The tidbits of wisdom are, however, very inspiring and immediately applicable (in most cases).

Those that have read "Tuesdays" will recognize much of Morrie's aphorisms. In this text, though, you will read Morrie explicate the aphorisms himself. After reading "Tuesdays" and "Morrie: in his own words," I would encourage readers to jump on Youtube and watch the Nightline interviews with Morrie and Ted Koppel. The interviews made the readings that much more special and the words and personality of Morrie more life-like.

[Marj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morrie's aphorisms about how to live while dying can easily apply to everyone whether we are sick or in good health. We all need to recognize that each minute, each relationship, each opportunity is precious and we need to fully engage in each of these. But we also need to be realistic in our expectations and adapt to the changes that take affect us and others. I loved his honesty and his optimism about his circumstances. I loved his respect for others needs even while his own needs were so severe. There is much to learn from this great and inspiring man.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than succumbing to his deteriorating physical condition, Morrie choose to stay compassionate and live an end-life serving others. The book offers Morrie's takes on how to cope when one has serious illness. Surprisingly, some of the points can be applied to even a healthy person's life including forgiving yourself and letting go of the past. The book can be summed by his quote;

"Learn how to live, and you'll know how to die; learn how to die, and you'll know how to life"

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of what I needed to hear today.

[Courtenay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad that Regina recommended this book & loaned it to me to read. Much of what Morrie talks about is what I inherently know and believe. I needed to read it and really take it to heart.

When I was young, my father was not kind to us when we were ill. He saw it as failure. It’s taken years for me to accept illness as natural, and accept help. As an adult, my spouse is nurturing and kind when I am ill. I’m still learning to be kind myself and ask for & accept help. Morrie reminded me that illness is not something we control. We need to be patient, and ask for help. We don’t need to make our lives more difficult.

I laugh at myself and sometimes put myself down. Morrie reminded me to NOT do this He encouraged me to express myself, even if it means complaining. I’ll be better off expressing myself. And if I can’t find someone to listen without judging me, I’ll journal!

My father and I had a complicated relationship. He was cruel, and sometimes abusive, when I was young. I thought I deserved it. After divorcing a cruel, abusive spouse, my father was kinder to me. I think he saw himself in my ex. He tried to talk me out of marrying him. I started to look at my father as a man, a husband, and a military man - not just my father. I saw his positive aspects. I forgave him for his past negative behavior. Reading that Morrie had a similar epiphany, I am grateful I made peace with my father when I was in my 30s and he was in his 60s. We forgave each other & ourselves. We had some positive years together as adults.

I need to find what drives me in my later years. As Morrie questioned himself, I question myself: what is my purpose and where is my passion? I think it’s people - friends and family. I feel driven to love. I liked the W. H. Auden quote: “Love each other or die.” And I truly believe Morrie when he says, “Be part of humanity. We’ll die, but live

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Fayetteville Public Library book sale for under a dollar and here’s my review!

I sincerely enjoyed this read. At this point I have lost all my grandparents and I found myself seeking relationships with older people to receive a glimpse of the insight they could have provided me had they still been around. I’m thankful for God’s heart for me in fulfilling that desire in a small capacity.

Morrie is sincere and compassionate and I believe has wisdom for all.

I’ll leave this review with a quote near the end that encapsulates the heart of the book:

“The best preparation for living fully and well is to be prepared to die at any time, because impending death inspires clarity of purpose, a homing in on what really matters to you. When you feel that the end is near, you are more likely to pay close attention to whatever you treasure, especially relationships with loved ones.”

Just another reminder that our days are numbered and each is a gift! If you need a quick and thoughtful read, pick this up.

[Danielle Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Morrie’s advice on how to deal with illness (also useful for injuries, growing older etc). When he was diagnosed with ALS, he asked himself if he was going to withdraw and be full of self pity, or face it with curiosity and humor? He chose the latter, seeing this illness as a terrific challenge. He recognized his deteriorating body was only a portion of himself. A big part of his advice is to feel all the feelings - grieve over it, be sad, but don’t get stuck there. This man learned to be grateful for asthma, which took away his favorite pastime of dancing, because it taught him how to give up things he loved (which he had to do more and more of as ALS progressed).

“Come to terms with the fact that you will never again be fully physically comfortable. Enjoy the times you are comfortable enough.”

“Know that your friends and family may see you as less incapacitated than you are because they want you to be “better.”

“Although you may be old or sick, it’s not too late to take stock and ask yourself if you really are the person you want to be, and if not, who you do want to be.”

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. I couldn't get into it. This book is mostly about how to deal with death.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The overarching thought - live like you’re dying. This is not to say ‘give up’ but instead to say ‘make the most of the time you have’.

[Keith Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book by a wonderful man gifted to me by a wonderful friend - what more could one wish for!?!
Tuesdays with Morrie has long been in my top 3 of books read and this one sits alongside it. Full of wisdom, humility from a very humane human being. Too short but then good to be left wanting more,books don't always do that for me.

[Caroline Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't a bad book, its just not anything like I was expecting. It was a short and easy read, but I did end up skimming the last 25 pages or so.

This would be a great book for someone dealing with illness or for someone who is close with someone who is dealing with an illness.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved Tuesday’s w morrie. This book, however, is the specifics of how Morrie dealt w his ALS. By God’s grace, I have not experienced any such serious illness. I am certain that Morrie’s words are excellent, I just have put them into my context.