The Final Lesson in Tuesdays with Morrie: a Reflection on Life and Death

by Mitch Albom is a heartrending memoir chronicling the author's final encounters with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is struggling with terminal ALS. The book is a testament to Schwartz's life philosophy grounded in love, compassion, and acceptance. In this essay, I will explore the final lesson in Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Morrie imparts his wisdom on life and death, and reflect on its relevance to my life as a college student.

Morrie's Final Lesson

Morrie's final lesson centers on accepting death as a natural part of life. He says, "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live" (Albom, 1997, p. 80). This statement may seem paradoxical, but it holds profound truth. Morrie argues that when we accept our mortality and the inevitability of death, we can live our lives with a newfound appreciation for each moment. We can prioritize what truly matters to us and stop chasing superficial goals that do not bring us happiness.

Personal Reflection

Morrie's lesson resonates with me personally, as I have struggled with anxiety and existential dread surrounding the uncertainties of life. The future seems daunting, and I often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed academically and professionally. However, Morrie's words offer a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. By focusing on the present moment and cherishing every experience, I can learn to live a more fulfilling life.

Importance of Relationships

Moreover, Morrie's lesson also emphasizes the importance of relationships and connection. He argues that the most critical element of life is love and relationships. Without it, we are empty. Morrie says, "The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We're teaching the wrong things. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it" (Albom, 1997, p. 42).

Relevance to College Students

The lesson resonates with me, especially given the competitive and individualistic culture of academia. As a college student, it is easy to become so consumed with individualistic goals and achievements that we forget about the significance of relationships. While academic and career success are essential, they are not everything. Morrie's lesson reminds me that without strong relationships, our lives are empty.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Morrie's final lesson in Tuesdays with Morrie offers profound wisdom on life and death. His philosophy centered on accepting mortality, cherishing relationships, and prioritizing love and compassion. As a college student, I find Morrie's words relevant given the pressures and uncertainties of the future. By focusing on the present moment and cherishing our relationships, we can learn how to live a more fulfilling life. Morrie's wisdom is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and authentic connection to ourselves and others.