Tuesday’s with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson

First published in 1997, Tuesday’s with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson, is a nonfiction memoir that describes author Mitch Albom’s visits to a beloved college professor who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease, and the lessons he learns there. The book became a New York Times #1 bestseller and remained on the list for nearly four years, selling 15 million copies in 45 languages. It also became an Emmy-winning TV movie. Crown published the 20th anniversary edition in 2007; the ebook version of that release is the basis for this guide.

Plot Summary

The book’s namesake is Morrie Schwartz, a beloved professor who enjoys conversations, long walks in nature, beautiful music, and dancing. As a child, Morrie lost his mother to disease and struggled with poverty. He studied hard, earned a PhD, and for several years observed patients at a mental hospital. For 35 years Morrie teaches sociology at Brandeis University, where he and his department develop innovative teaching methods and encourage their students to participate in the civil rights and anti-war movements.

Author Albom attends Brandeis in the mid-1970s and takes classes from Morrie. They bond, and Morrie sponsors Albom’s honor’s thesis. At his graduation ceremony in 1979, Albom promises to stay in touch.

In 1994, Albom, now a successful sports journalist, happens upon a late-night TV news show, Nightline, on which Ted Koppel interviews Morrie, who is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Morrie has decided to make a study of his own decline, share the results with others, and continue to counsel and teach informally for as long as he can. Albom remembers his old promise, contacts Morrie, and they agree to meet.

Their chats become a one-on-one seminar on the meaning of life that takes place on 14 Tuesdays at Morrie’s home near Boston. The conversation ranges widely. They discuss death and how people might spend their time better if they accepted that life comes to an end. They talk about the importance of family and those who watch out for you.

Another topic is emotions: Morrie suggests people experience them fully, even the painful ones, and then let them go. Albom mentions his fear of aging, and Morrie replies that the elderly contain within them all the ages they’ve ever been, so that none really go away. Morrie also tells Albom, a workaholic, that the obsession with money and possessions forces people to miss out on important aspects of life, especially loving and caring about others.

Many people visit Morrie; with each, he talks about their lives and the things that trouble them, and he offers them his wisdom. Nightline also interviews him two more times. Morrie wants Albom to write a term paper of sorts, a book that sums up their Tuesday discussions. Time is short: Morrie continues to deteriorate, his disease slowly rendering him immobile and unable to care for himself. The old professor remains alert, however, giving his utmost to Albom and everyone who visits.

The most important lesson Morrie offers is that people should simply love each other. For him, the meaning of life comes from giving to others from one’s heart.

At their final meeting, Albom hugs his teacher for a long time and tells him that he loves him. Morrie replies that he loves Albom and considers him one of his sons. Albom realizes his talks with Morrie have opened up his own heart; in the years to follow, he becomes involved in community projects and charity work.

The author is an award-winning sports journalist for the Detroit Free Press and host of a radio talk show. His 13 books have sold 40 million copies worldwide. He also is an accomplished playwright, musician, and songwriter. Albom administers three charities that serve underprivileged youth, the homeless, and victims of the 2010 Haitian earthquake.