'Tuesdays with Morrie' by Mitch Albom: A reminder that life is about love, compassion and giving

Death, in many cultures, is a topic that people are uncomfortable talking about. Talking about it might be seen as inviting it into your life. This fear stems from the thought that our lives are not permanent and that we might be gone at any moment. 

The phrase ‘do not talk about the dead’ rings true in many of our societies. We say good things about people when they die than when they are alive with us. Why do we find it more fitting to do that when death has taken them away from us?

This simple yet powerful book, based on a true story by Mitch Albom, explores topics comfortably spoken about in our day-to-day lives and those we shy away from, such as death, aging and forgiveness.

Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir of a vibrant social psychology professor at Brandeis University, where Mitch was his student at a younger age. In 1976, during this time at the university, Mitch and Morrie built a relationship through his class on Tuesdays on psychology. Mitch felt more understood by the professor than he had ever felt before. 

“Mitchell? The professor read his name on the attendance list. “Do you prefer Mitch? Or is Mitchell better?” “Mitch, Mitch is what my friends call me,” Mitch responded.

The professor says, “I hope you will refer to me as a friend one day.” This started their friendship, which was paused in 1979 on Mitch’s graduation day. This was when they hugged goodbye, and Mitch promised to keep in touch but never did.

They say humans plan, and God laughs. In 1994, Morrie's life changed completely when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a brutal illness of the neurological system.

One thing that is inevitable about the world is that it goes on. It stops for no one. Your world might be falling apart, but that does not mean it will stop for you.

The professor was stunned at how the world continued as if nothing had happened. “Should not the world stop? Do they not know what has happened to me?” He asks himself as he and his wife, Charlotte, leave the hospital after that life-changing diagnosis.

On the other hand, Mitch buried himself with work and chased money because he believed that the second he stopped keeping himself busy, his life would end, and he would stop being relevant. The death of his favourite uncle fuelled this fear. He did not want death to visit when he had nothing to his name.

This changes one Friday night when he sees his old professor, in a wheelchair, talking about his diagnosis and how his life had changed on a TV program called Nightline. Mitch went numb. This is the night he decides to reconnect with his old friend and mentor.

When the two good old friends reunite, they usually pick up where they left off. This happens when Mitch visits Morrie after 16 years of no contact. 

“My old friend, you have come back at last,” Morrie whispered as they hugged.

After the reunion, the two friends meet every Tuesday to discuss life as the old professor reflects on his well-lived life.

On the fourth Tuesday, they talk about death. Death is one of the fears that many of us share. It is one of the things that every human being will have to experience. There is no escape. It is the nature of the world. If you are born, you will die. If you knew you were dying later today, would you still spend your time as you do now?

“Everyone knows they are going to die, but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently,” said Morrie.

Every time Mitch leaves the professor’s home, his perspective on life changes—gradual but significant changes that alter how he sees life. 

He starts to be more understanding of other people. He gives more grace to others and himself. He learns that, ultimately, life is about giving and being compassionate. He learns the important role that family plays in one's life.

This is a timeless book for people looking to live meaningful lives, know what matters in life, and be more human. It reminds us that we all have the same beginning and ending—birth and death. These two phenomena equalise life as we know it.

As you go about your day, ask yourself, Is this the day I die? Will I be happy if I die today? Answers to these questions will determine the path you take going forward.

But remember, “death ends a life, not a relationship.”

Jane Shussa is passionate about books, coffee, nature, and travel. She serves as a Senior Digital Communications Officer for Twaweza East Africa.