Mitch Albom

an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson

Tuesdays with Morrie

Penelope Sanchez

“But that’s part of being human. Stop, renew, stop, renew.”

“And if you want to cry a little, it’s okay.”

Cassandra Tang

Part of the problem, Mitch, is that everyone is in such a hurry,” Morrie said. “People haven’t found meaning in their lives, so they’re running all the time looking for it. They think the next car, the next house, the next job. Then they find those things are empty, too, and they keep running.

Because if you’ve found meaning in your life, you don’t want to go back. You want to go forward. You want to see more, do more. You can’t wait until sixty-five.

It’s very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you’d always be as ignorant as you were at twenty-two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It’s growth. It’s more than the negative that you’re going to die, it’s also the positive that you understand you’re going to die, and that you live a better life because of it.

Don’t cling to things, because everything is impermanent.

Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too - even when you're in the dark. Even when you're falling.

Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?

So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.

Accept what you are able to do and what you are not able to do; Accept the past as past, without denying it or discarding it; Learn to forgive yourself and to forgive others, Don't assume that it's too late to get involved.

Essence

“…And love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone."

He smiled. "You know what that reflects? Unsatisfied lives. Unfulfilled lives, Lives that haven't found meaning. Because if you've found meaning in your life, you don't want to go back. You want to go forward. You want to see more, do more. You can't wait until sixty-five.

"It's very simple. As you grow, you learn more. If you stayed at twenty-two, you'd always be as ignorant as you were at twenty- two. Aging is not just decay, you know. It's growth. It's more than the negative that you're going to die, it's also the positive that you understand you're going to die, and that you live a better life because of it."

Take any emotion-love for a woman, or grief for a loved one, or what I'm going through, fear and pain from a deadly ill- ness. If you hold back on the emotions-if you don't allow yourself to go all the way through them-you can never get to being detached, you're too busy being afraid. You're afraid of the pain, you're afraid of the grief. You're afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails.

This is part of what a family is about, not just love, but letting others know there's someone who is watching out for them. It's what I missed so much when my mother died-what I call your spiritual security'-knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame."

"Is it today, little bird?" he asked. "Is it today?"

"The truth is, Mitch," he said, "once you learn how to die, you learn how to live."

"Everyone knows they're going to die," he said again, "but nobody believes it. If we did, we would do things differently."

And I suppose tapes, ike photographs and videos, are a desperate attempt to steal something from death's suitcase.

"It's horrible to watch my body slowly wilt away to nothing. But it's also wonderful because of all the time I get to say good-bye."

Morrie Schwartz has taught me a lot ♥️

Bulan

What an incredibly moving story. I implore everyone to read this, and take acknowledgement of the wisdom within this beautiful memoir of an amazing old man into their lives, as I will now try to do.

Reading this felt like both a gentle hug and a loud wake-up call. I think it is one of the most important books of recent generations, and will continue to transcend generations of readers, and non-readers, alike.

It is stories like this change people — that help them. This book has power. I will not forget it. 

Emilia Vulliamy

What an incredibly moving story. I implore everyone to read this, and take acknowledgement of the wisdom within this beautiful memoir of an amazing old man into their lives, as I will now try to do.

Reading this felt like both a gentle hug and a loud wake-up call. I think it is one of the most important books of recent generations, and will continue to transcend generations of readers, and non-readers, alike.

It is stories like this change people — that help them. This book has power. I will not forget it. 

This is one of the best books I have ever read this book is so inspiring 

This is a book that I could read over and over again 

Sana

This is one of the best books I have ever read this book is so inspiring 

This is a book that I could read over and over again 

The talks between Mitch and his professor Morrie are incredibly powerful and full of wisdom. Such beautiful reminders about what really matters in life. Definitely one of my best reads in 2025 ♡

Erna Kamila

it was a rollercoaster but overall a hug.

it was an easy read but at the same time wasn't. u thought u have heard/read/experienced through everything (ironic with me being somewhere being a twenty-something). u still miss out a few points. this book is as simple as reteaching as how to be a human. which is in the first place we are. capable of mistakes, regret, emotions, love, and a whole lot of other things. 

it was a rollercoaster but overall a hug.

it was an easy read but at the same time wasn't. u thought u have heard/read/experienced through everything (ironic with me being somewhere being a twenty-something). u still miss out a few points. this book is as simple as reteaching as how to be a human. which is in the first place we are. capable of mistakes, regret, emotions, love, and a whole lot of other things. 

i'm bawling my eyes out. everything morrie said is so true—people should really learn from him. he's such a realist, and at the same time, an optimistic person. this is so sad, i'm too soft for this. and to think that this is a memoir makes it even sadder. 

A book that everyone should read at least once in their life. 

Very cute read. But the ideas we’re not super crazy and original so it didn’t really change my perception of anything 

Anna Cassmer Ling-Vannérus

I will cherish this book and bring it everywhere I go, as a constant reminder of what I should be focusing on in life ;(.

Dear Morrie, i've read this incredible book about you and i've loved it with my entire soul. But a question still bugs me. "When I give my time, when i can make someone smile after they were feeling sad, it's as close to healthy as i feel." You talk about devoting yourself into constant giving and loving finding purpose and meaning in that, I really do believe in that too. I also believe in the inherent good inside of people. But, when do I know to stop? When I know people are only using my kindness for their own good, having power over my vulnerability and guilt. Do I keep giving, and burden myself, or stop giving and still burden myself with guilt? 

Buku ini terlalu terlalu singkat, masih banyak pertanyaan yang menggebu-gebu di pikiran aku yang KIKUK ini. Rasanya walaupun aku hanya pembaca, kayak berlomba-lomba dengan waktu buat belajar dan bertanya. Bener aja setelah selesai, aku masih pengen "ngobrol" sama Morrie. Tapi tetep aja aku benerbener hold this boook soooo clooosee to my little heart, so meaningful to me in every way still :) My favorite read so far. 10/10

Nitisara Dayu Cetta

I will cherish this book and bring it everywhere I go, as a constant reminder of what I should be focusing on in life ;(.

Dear Morrie, i've read this incredible book about you and i've loved it with my entire soul. But a question still bugs me. "When I give my time, when i can make someone smile after they were feeling sad, it's as close to healthy as i feel." You talk about devoting yourself into constant giving and loving finding purpose and meaning in that, I really do believe in that too. I also believe in the inherent good inside of people. But, when do I know to stop? When I know people are only using my kindness for their own good, having power over my vulnerability and guilt. Do I keep giving, and burden myself, or stop giving and still burden myself with guilt? 

Buku ini terlalu terlalu singkat, masih banyak pertanyaan yang menggebu-gebu di pikiran aku yang KIKUK ini. Rasanya walaupun aku hanya pembaca, kayak berlomba-lomba dengan waktu buat belajar dan bertanya. Bener aja setelah selesai, aku masih pengen "ngobrol" sama Morrie. Tapi tetep aja aku benerbener hold this boook soooo clooosee to my little heart, so meaningful to me in every way still :) My favorite read so far. 10/10

this book gave me so many new insights about life and how to deal with life… i love it so much!! had a very great time reading it and an absolute page turner 🤍 even though it is so short but it teaches me a very valuable lesson 🤍 oh to read this book for the first time again!

alifia

"Tuesdays with Morrie" recounts Mitch Albom’s weekly visits to his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, as they discuss life’s most profound topics: love, family, relationships, money, and ultimately, death. Through their conversations, Mitch, the author, reflects on how his own life has been transformed by Morrie’s thought-provoking insights. This is not a work of fiction, but a real and heartfelt account; it’s short and simply written.

This book radiates compassion while capturing the simplicity that often lies beneath life’s complexities. It’s filled with powerful passages and lessons that I’ve highlighted, knowing they are words I want to carry with me. Morrie’s words are heartfelt, and his story is inspiring; a testament to how one person can profoundly touch the lives of those around them. Even in death, Morrie lived on his own terms, finding peace and teaching others to do the same.

"If you hold back on the emotions—if you don't allow yourself to go through them—you can never get to being detached. You're too busy being afraid. Afraid of the pain, the grief, the vulnerability that loving entails. But by throwing yourself into these emotions... you experience them fully and completely. Only then can you say, 'All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognise it. Now I need to detach from it for a moment.'”

This passage struck a deep chord with me. I am someone who often struggles with detaching from my emotions. I feel everything intensely, and more often than not, I find myself overwhelmed by the weight of what I’m feeling, whether it’s pain or love. Due to this, I fear that if I let myself experience emotions too deeply, I’ll become unable to let go. To protect myself from that, I often run away from my emotions rather than allowing myself to feel them. Morrie’s advice to throw yourself into emotions and experience them fully feels both liberating and terrifying. It challenges my tendency to hold back and run away, offering a more hopeful perspective: that by allowing myself to feel, I might eventually find the peace that comes with understanding and, ultimately, detaching. It’s a reminder that vulnerability, while difficult, is essential for truly living and healing.

"These people were so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. They were embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You can’t substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship."

This resonated deeply with me as a critique of not only consumerism but also the increasingly digitalised world we live in today. Social media and online platforms often amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated versions of people’s lives and promoting the idea that happiness can be bought; whether through the latest phone, or trending experience. We are surrounded by advertisements and algorithms that fuel our insecurities, convincing us that owning more or appearing more successful will make us feel complete. Yet, as Morrie points out, these pursuits often leave us feeling lonelier and more disconnected than before. The emphasis on materialism, and, currently, digital validation, distracts us from the deeper, more fulfilling connections we could foster with others. Morrie’s words challenge us to resist these societal pressures and prioritise love, gentleness, and companionship over the fleeting gratification of possessions or online approval.

While the book is filled with thoughtful observations, it doesn’t necessarily provide groundbreaking insights. Much of its philosophy is familiar; simple truths about love, connection, and living with purpose. Still, they are truths worth revisiting, especially in today’s fast-paced, materialistic society. Morrie’s advice feels particularly relevant in reminding us to prioritise human connections over fleeting distractions.

That said, I had mixed feelings. The book leaves an impression but doesn’t dig into how to apply its lessons practically. For me, it’s a reflective read that I’ll remember for its vulnerability, even if it didn’t provide entirely new revelations.

Patricia

"Tuesdays with Morrie" recounts Mitch Albom’s weekly visits to his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, as they discuss life’s most profound topics: love, family, relationships, money, and ultimately, death. Through their conversations, Mitch, the author, reflects on how his own life has been transformed by Morrie’s thought-provoking insights. This is not a work of fiction, but a real and heartfelt account; it’s short and simply written.

This book radiates compassion while capturing the simplicity that often lies beneath life’s complexities. It’s filled with powerful passages and lessons that I’ve highlighted, knowing they are words I want to carry with me. Morrie’s words are heartfelt, and his story is inspiring; a testament to how one person can profoundly touch the lives of those around them. Even in death, Morrie lived on his own terms, finding peace and teaching others to do the same.

"If you hold back on the emotions—if you don't allow yourself to go through them—you can never get to being detached. You're too busy being afraid. Afraid of the pain, the grief, the vulnerability that loving entails. But by throwing yourself into these emotions... you experience them fully and completely. Only then can you say, 'All right. I have experienced that emotion. I recognise it. Now I need to detach from it for a moment.'”

This passage struck a deep chord with me. I am someone who often struggles with detaching from my emotions. I feel everything intensely, and more often than not, I find myself overwhelmed by the weight of what I’m feeling, whether it’s pain or love. Due to this, I fear that if I let myself experience emotions too deeply, I’ll become unable to let go. To protect myself from that, I often run away from my emotions rather than allowing myself to feel them. Morrie’s advice to throw yourself into emotions and experience them fully feels both liberating and terrifying. It challenges my tendency to hold back and run away, offering a more hopeful perspective: that by allowing myself to feel, I might eventually find the peace that comes with understanding and, ultimately, detaching. It’s a reminder that vulnerability, while difficult, is essential for truly living and healing.

"These people were so hungry for love that they were accepting substitutes. They were embracing material things and expecting a sort of hug back. But it never works. You can’t substitute material things for love or for gentleness or for tenderness or for a sense of comradeship."

This resonated deeply with me as a critique of not only consumerism but also the increasingly digitalised world we live in today. Social media and online platforms often amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated versions of people’s lives and promoting the idea that happiness can be bought; whether through the latest phone, or trending experience. We are surrounded by advertisements and algorithms that fuel our insecurities, convincing us that owning more or appearing more successful will make us feel complete. Yet, as Morrie points out, these pursuits often leave us feeling lonelier and more disconnected than before. The emphasis on materialism, and, currently, digital validation, distracts us from the deeper, more fulfilling connections we could foster with others. Morrie’s words challenge us to resist these societal pressures and prioritise love, gentleness, and companionship over the fleeting gratification of possessions or online approval.

While the book is filled with thoughtful observations, it doesn’t necessarily provide groundbreaking insights. Much of its philosophy is familiar; simple truths about love, connection, and living with purpose. Still, they are truths worth revisiting, especially in today’s fast-paced, materialistic society. Morrie’s advice feels particularly relevant in reminding us to prioritise human connections over fleeting distractions.

That said, I had mixed feelings. The book leaves an impression but doesn’t dig into how to apply its lessons practically. For me, it’s a reflective read that I’ll remember for its vulnerability, even if it didn’t provide entirely new revelations.

if i can carry this book with me everywhere I would 

florrr

a book that was so profound and impactful when i least expected it. i went into this book completely blind, having only read the blurb and nothing more. no reviews, no tiktoks, nothing. so i was fully expecting a cheesy self help book, with the same regurgitated (and shallow) ‘motivations’

morrie’s spirit shines through the pages as if he’s really next to you and speaking these wisdoms directly in your ear. the words, so simple yet so touching, had me feeling like i knew morrie personally. i never cry over books and yet this was one i had to put down multiple times to cry. often, id take a break to reflect on a quote so altering and changing. 

satvi

a book that was so profound and impactful when i least expected it. i went into this book completely blind, having only read the blurb and nothing more. no reviews, no tiktoks, nothing. so i was fully expecting a cheesy self help book, with the same regurgitated (and shallow) ‘motivations’

i could not have been more wrong. 

morrie’s spirit shines through the pages as if he’s really next to you and speaking these wisdoms directly in your ear. the words, so simple yet so touching, had me feeling like i knew morrie personally. i never cry over books and yet this was one i had to put down multiple times to cry. often, id take a break to reflect on a quote so altering and changing. 

i could not recommend this book enough. 



Sarvesh Pansare

Your book was so good, Mitch, but I can give you 5 stars because of your choice, sorry. 

To be honest, as a reader, I did not expect that the background of this story could be summarised so well by Mitch from his perspective as a student and from his perspective who knows how the stories and stories from Morrie's life. Before reading, Mitch had informed that all information was based on what he knew and saw and through Morrie's family, friends, and close people.

The book takes the reader on a journey through the lives of Morrie and Mitch through the meetings they have every week on Tuesdays. The book is divided into two major parts, the background story and the class by Morrie.

Bi Di

Your book was so good, Mitch, but I can give you 5 stars because of your choice, sorry. 

-

To be honest, as a reader, I did not expect that the background of this story could be summarised so well by Mitch from his perspective as a student and from his perspective who knows how the stories and stories from Morrie's life. Before reading, Mitch had informed that all information was based on what he knew and saw and through Morrie's family, friends, and close people.

The book takes the reader on a journey through the lives of Morrie and Mitch through the meetings they have every week on Tuesdays. The book is divided into two major parts, the background story and the class by Morrie.



this reset my little mind and probably force developed some of my frontal lobe when i was a tween

felicity hu

Yanna Alghamdi

“If you're trying to show off for people at the top, forget it. They will look down on you anyhow. And if you're trying to show off for people at the bottom, forget it. They will only envy you. Status will get you nowhere. Only an open heart will allow you to float equally between everyone.”

chaca

finished a week ago. this book has been on my wishlist for months and i bought it with the old cover at thrift store :D every single page of this book is heartwarming i could read it thousand times.... life changed.

Read this book back in 8th grade for my literature class but i forgot the storyline yet remembered how much i loved it. I reread it again and now understood why i loved it! It’s so good, so many life lessons gist came out of this book and i love it so much when a book taught me how to live life a little better. ♥️

one of the best books ive ever read hands down. keep coming back to it to remind me of the important things. i feel like this is a book everyone should read at least once in their life.

sneha

I remember watching the Oprah special that she had on this during my senior year of high school and I remembered the show just tearing me apart. So whenever i started this book I was afraid of the same thing happening and the story is just a great as I remembered. Yes, I did tear up at the end when morrie died , but I feel as though it was important for me to read and revisit this story again because it helped me realize how I had been taking people in my life for granted.

Chulandon leanday Bradley 

I think that everyone should read this book at least once in their lifetime. It is absolutely touching and inspiring.

Tuesdays with Morrie an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson

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