Morrie: In His Own Words

For decades Morrie Schwartz engaged his Brandeis University students in the importance of community and involvement in life. Ever the teacher, in his last year, as his battle with the fatal illness amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, gradually weakened him, he appeared on three memorable Nightline programs with Ted Koppel, simply titled “Morrie,” captivating millions of viewers across the country with his spirit and compassion.

Before he died, Morrie finished the manuscript for this book, which he saw as his greatest teaching opportunity. Whether you or a loved one is healthy or ill, young or old, there is invaluable wisdom here that can enrich your life. From “handling frustration” and “reaching acceptance” to “relating to others” and “being kind to yourself,” Morrie’s life-affirming insights help you take stock of where you are now and where you may want to be. Morrie: In His Own Words will have a lasting impact on whoever reads it.

Praise

"In this book, Morrie teaches one last great class, on acceptance, on wresting victory from the jaws of defeat, on the honor of dependency, on moral courage, growth and joy. It is impossible to read this book and not learn some important things about being alive. Even the most lackluster pupil will benefit from Morrie's intelligence, candor, and thoughtfulness."—Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders and Reviving Ophelia

 

"Wanting to learn more about life and death, [Schwartz] objectively watched himself die, at first taking notes and then tape-recording his thoughts, feelings, and memories as his health declined. Personal aphorisms—heartfelt, succinct observations—form this book's core. . . . [Morrie: In His Own Words] holds wisdom not only for those struggling with a terminal or debilitating condition but also for family and friends who must come to grips with letting a loved one go."—Booklist

About the Author(s)

Morris Schwartz

Morrie Schwartz taught sociology at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, for close to thirty-five years before retiring. He passed away in 1995.