Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Discover the key ideas of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie with our visual book summary.
Discover the key ideas of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie with our visual book summary.
Discover the key ideas of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie with our visual book summary.
Book Introduction
"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming memoir that chronicles the author's poignant conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz.
Albom reconnects with Morrie, who is battling a terminal illness, and through their weekly meetings, learns invaluable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of meaning.
This deeply touching account of friendship and mentorship is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the wisdom that can be gleaned from those facing their own mortality.
My goal with this illustrated book summary is to highlight the ideas that have resonated the most with me so you can hopefully benefit from them in your life.
Break free from the chains of corporate life
What happened to me? I asked myself. Morrie’s high, smoky voice took me back to my university years, when I thought rich people were evil, a shirt and tie were prison clothes, and life without freedom to get up and go—motorcycle beneath you, breeze in your face, down the streets of Paris, into the mountains of Tibet—was not a good life at all. What happened to me? The eighties happened. The nineties happened. Death and sickness and getting fat and going bald happened. I traded lots of dreams for a bigger paycheck, and I never even realized I was doing it.
Break free from the trap of media addiction
I kept picturing him there, in the house with the Japanese maple and the hardwood floors, counting his breath, squeezing out every moment with his loved ones, while I spent so many hours on things that meant absolutely nothing to me personally: movie stars, supermodels, the latest noise out of Princess Di or Madonna or John F. Kennedy, Jr. In a strange way, I envied the quality of Morrie’s time even as I lamented its diminishing supply. Why did we bother with all the distractions we did? Back home, the O. J. Simpson trial was in full swing, and there were people who surrendered their entire lunch hours watching it, then taped the rest so they could watch more at night. They didn’t know O. J. Simpson. They didn’t know anyone involved in the case. Yet they gave up days and weeks of their lives, addicted to someone else’s drama.
Break free from the illusion of importance
There were sporting events each night that I would have gone to cover. Instead, I stayed home and watched them on TV. I had grown used to thinking readers somehow needed my column. I was stunned at how easily things went on without me.
Embrace mortality to fully appreciate life
“Everyone knows they’re going to die,” he said again, “but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.” So we kid ourselves about death, I said. “Yes. But there’s a better approach. To know you’re going to die and to be prepared for it at any time. That’s better. That way you can actually be more involved in your life while you’re living.” How can you ever be prepared to die? “Do what the Buddhists do. Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, ‘Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?"
The Damocles Sword is a metaphorical representation of the relationship between a person and death. The story goes that Damocles, a courtier in ancient Greece, once admired the power and wealth of his king. But as he sat at the king's side, he noticed a sword dangling precariously over his head, suspended by a single strand of horsehair. This constant reminder of impending doom made Damocles realize that with great power and wealth comes great responsibility and fear of losing it all. This story has come to symbolize the precarious nature of human life and how death is always looming above us, reminding us to cherish every moment of life and to live it to the fullest. The story of Damocles Sword serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life and not take it for granted, as death can strike at any moment.
Rethink your ambition and priorities
“Well, the truth is, if you really listen to that bird on your shoulder, if you accept that you can die at any time—then you might not be as ambitious as you are.” I forced a small grin. “The things you spend so much time on—all this work you do—might not seem as important. You might have to make room for some more spiritual things.” Spiritual things? “You hate that word, don’t you? ‘Spiritual.’ You think it’s touchy-feely stuff.” Well, I said. He tried to wink, a bad try, and I broke down and laughed. “Mitch,” he said, laughing along, “even I don’t know what ‘spiritual development’ really means. But I do know we’re deficient in some way. 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.”
Make the most of today: embrace every opportunity your day offers
Below is a truly inspiring video I discovered a few years ago whilst I was mindlessly scrolling on Youtube. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so this was probably sent to me by the universe in hopes that I would stop wasting my precious time.
This video is a great visual representation of the idea that you should aim to live every day as if it was your very last. Not in the sense that you should go out and get wasted, but In the sense that you should take advantage of every opportunity that the world presents to you in order to make the absolute most of your situation.
If you live this way, your fear of death will diminish as you’ll be in a much better position to leave this world, knowing that if the worst was to take place, you at least did your very best.
Thank you for reading!
This visual “summary” is not intended to replace the original book. Just see it as a playful and useful supplement to reading or a fresh way to discover engaging titles.
I'll be adding more visual ideas to this summary as time goes on, so stay tuned and make sure to revisit this page every now and then.
“Perfection through iteration, not revision.”
You might also like my visual notes on...
Book Introduction
"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming memoir that chronicles the author's poignant conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz.
Albom reconnects with Morrie, who is battling a terminal illness, and through their weekly meetings, learns invaluable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of meaning.
This deeply touching account of friendship and mentorship is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the wisdom that can be gleaned from those facing their own mortality.
My goal with this illustrated book summary is to highlight the ideas that have resonated the most with me so you can hopefully benefit from them in your life.
Break free from the chains of corporate life
What happened to me? I asked myself. Morrie’s high, smoky voice took me back to my university years, when I thought rich people were evil, a shirt and tie were prison clothes, and life without freedom to get up and go—motorcycle beneath you, breeze in your face, down the streets of Paris, into the mountains of Tibet—was not a good life at all. What happened to me? The eighties happened. The nineties happened. Death and sickness and getting fat and going bald happened. I traded lots of dreams for a bigger paycheck, and I never even realized I was doing it.
Break free from the trap of media addiction
I kept picturing him there, in the house with the Japanese maple and the hardwood floors, counting his breath, squeezing out every moment with his loved ones, while I spent so many hours on things that meant absolutely nothing to me personally: movie stars, supermodels, the latest noise out of Princess Di or Madonna or John F. Kennedy, Jr. In a strange way, I envied the quality of Morrie’s time even as I lamented its diminishing supply. Why did we bother with all the distractions we did? Back home, the O. J. Simpson trial was in full swing, and there were people who surrendered their entire lunch hours watching it, then taped the rest so they could watch more at night. They didn’t know O. J. Simpson. They didn’t know anyone involved in the case. Yet they gave up days and weeks of their lives, addicted to someone else’s drama.
Break free from the illusion of importance
There were sporting events each night that I would have gone to cover. Instead, I stayed home and watched them on TV. I had grown used to thinking readers somehow needed my column. I was stunned at how easily things went on without me.
Embrace mortality to fully appreciate life
“Everyone knows they’re going to die,” he said again, “but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.” So we kid ourselves about death, I said. “Yes. But there’s a better approach. To know you’re going to die and to be prepared for it at any time. That’s better. That way you can actually be more involved in your life while you’re living.” How can you ever be prepared to die? “Do what the Buddhists do. Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, ‘Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?"
The Damocles Sword is a metaphorical representation of the relationship between a person and death. The story goes that Damocles, a courtier in ancient Greece, once admired the power and wealth of his king. But as he sat at the king's side, he noticed a sword dangling precariously over his head, suspended by a single strand of horsehair. This constant reminder of impending doom made Damocles realize that with great power and wealth comes great responsibility and fear of losing it all. This story has come to symbolize the precarious nature of human life and how death is always looming above us, reminding us to cherish every moment of life and to live it to the fullest. The story of Damocles Sword serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life and not take it for granted, as death can strike at any moment.
Rethink your ambition and priorities
“Well, the truth is, if you really listen to that bird on your shoulder, if you accept that you can die at any time—then you might not be as ambitious as you are.” I forced a small grin. “The things you spend so much time on—all this work you do—might not seem as important. You might have to make room for some more spiritual things.” Spiritual things? “You hate that word, don’t you? ‘Spiritual.’ You think it’s touchy-feely stuff.” Well, I said. He tried to wink, a bad try, and I broke down and laughed. “Mitch,” he said, laughing along, “even I don’t know what ‘spiritual development’ really means. But I do know we’re deficient in some way. 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.”
Make the most of today: embrace every opportunity your day offers
Below is a truly inspiring video I discovered a few years ago whilst I was mindlessly scrolling on Youtube. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so this was probably sent to me by the universe in hopes that I would stop wasting my precious time.
This video is a great visual representation of the idea that you should aim to live every day as if it was your very last. Not in the sense that you should go out and get wasted, but In the sense that you should take advantage of every opportunity that the world presents to you in order to make the absolute most of your situation.
If you live this way, your fear of death will diminish as you’ll be in a much better position to leave this world, knowing that if the worst was to take place, you at least did your very best.
Thank you for reading!
This visual “summary” is not intended to replace the original book. Just see it as a playful and useful supplement to reading or a fresh way to discover engaging titles.
I'll be adding more visual ideas to this summary as time goes on, so stay tuned and make sure to revisit this page every now and then.
“Perfection through iteration, not revision.”
You might also like my visual notes on...
Book Introduction
"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom is a heartwarming memoir that chronicles the author's poignant conversations with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz.
Albom reconnects with Morrie, who is battling a terminal illness, and through their weekly meetings, learns invaluable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of meaning.
This deeply touching account of friendship and mentorship is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the wisdom that can be gleaned from those facing their own mortality.
My goal with this illustrated book summary is to highlight the ideas that have resonated the most with me so you can hopefully benefit from them in your life.
Break free from the chains of corporate life
What happened to me? I asked myself. Morrie’s high, smoky voice took me back to my university years, when I thought rich people were evil, a shirt and tie were prison clothes, and life without freedom to get up and go—motorcycle beneath you, breeze in your face, down the streets of Paris, into the mountains of Tibet—was not a good life at all. What happened to me? The eighties happened. The nineties happened. Death and sickness and getting fat and going bald happened. I traded lots of dreams for a bigger paycheck, and I never even realized I was doing it.
Break free from the trap of media addiction
I kept picturing him there, in the house with the Japanese maple and the hardwood floors, counting his breath, squeezing out every moment with his loved ones, while I spent so many hours on things that meant absolutely nothing to me personally: movie stars, supermodels, the latest noise out of Princess Di or Madonna or John F. Kennedy, Jr. In a strange way, I envied the quality of Morrie’s time even as I lamented its diminishing supply. Why did we bother with all the distractions we did? Back home, the O. J. Simpson trial was in full swing, and there were people who surrendered their entire lunch hours watching it, then taped the rest so they could watch more at night. They didn’t know O. J. Simpson. They didn’t know anyone involved in the case. Yet they gave up days and weeks of their lives, addicted to someone else’s drama.
Break free from the illusion of importance
There were sporting events each night that I would have gone to cover. Instead, I stayed home and watched them on TV. I had grown used to thinking readers somehow needed my column. I was stunned at how easily things went on without me.
Embrace mortality to fully appreciate life
“Everyone knows they’re going to die,” he said again, “but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently.” So we kid ourselves about death, I said. “Yes. But there’s a better approach. To know you’re going to die and to be prepared for it at any time. That’s better. That way you can actually be more involved in your life while you’re living.” How can you ever be prepared to die? “Do what the Buddhists do. Every day, have a little bird on your shoulder that asks, ‘Is today the day? Am I ready? Am I doing all I need to do? Am I being the person I want to be?"
The Damocles Sword is a metaphorical representation of the relationship between a person and death. The story goes that Damocles, a courtier in ancient Greece, once admired the power and wealth of his king. But as he sat at the king's side, he noticed a sword dangling precariously over his head, suspended by a single strand of horsehair. This constant reminder of impending doom made Damocles realize that with great power and wealth comes great responsibility and fear of losing it all. This story has come to symbolize the precarious nature of human life and how death is always looming above us, reminding us to cherish every moment of life and to live it to the fullest. The story of Damocles Sword serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life and not take it for granted, as death can strike at any moment.
Rethink your ambition and priorities
“Well, the truth is, if you really listen to that bird on your shoulder, if you accept that you can die at any time—then you might not be as ambitious as you are.” I forced a small grin. “The things you spend so much time on—all this work you do—might not seem as important. You might have to make room for some more spiritual things.” Spiritual things? “You hate that word, don’t you? ‘Spiritual.’ You think it’s touchy-feely stuff.” Well, I said. He tried to wink, a bad try, and I broke down and laughed. “Mitch,” he said, laughing along, “even I don’t know what ‘spiritual development’ really means. But I do know we’re deficient in some way. 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.”
Make the most of today: embrace every opportunity your day offers
Below is a truly inspiring video I discovered a few years ago whilst I was mindlessly scrolling on Youtube. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so this was probably sent to me by the universe in hopes that I would stop wasting my precious time.
This video is a great visual representation of the idea that you should aim to live every day as if it was your very last. Not in the sense that you should go out and get wasted, but In the sense that you should take advantage of every opportunity that the world presents to you in order to make the absolute most of your situation.
If you live this way, your fear of death will diminish as you’ll be in a much better position to leave this world, knowing that if the worst was to take place, you at least did your very best.
Thank you for reading!
This visual “summary” is not intended to replace the original book. Just see it as a playful and useful supplement to reading or a fresh way to discover engaging titles.
I'll be adding more visual ideas to this summary as time goes on, so stay tuned and make sure to revisit this page every now and then.
“Perfection through iteration, not revision.”
You might also like my visual notes on...
