My thoughts: It is important to connect with others, especially during time like this, when people are separated for extended periods of time. This book emphasizes the importance of human connection in a society that propels us to ignore all else for the sake of getting ahead.
Morrie Schwartz was Mitch's old professor at Brandeis University. He taught sociology like no one else, and Mitch took every class he taught. During that time, he developed a close friendship with the professor and learned to look at life in a different way. Yet after graduating, he failed on his promise to keep in touch, and only remembered him after an ABC Nightline report on how Morrie had contracted ALS and was dying. The disease was weakening his muscles bit by bit until he could no longer breathe. Already he was mostly confined to his chair.
By the time Mitch arrives at Morrie's house, he has been meeting with many, many people coming to see him, and he could have just been another visitor. But after all these years, Mitch is still Morrie's favorite student. While he is still alive, he wants to transfer everything he has learned, so that his unique experience and outlook will not be lost. They begin meeting on Tuesdays, just like back in the university days.
The central ideas of Morrie's teaching were to embrace the end of life, and to enjoy what time you had left to love others. Love was another thing he centered on, as he said that regardless of money or power, loved ones would always be there for you. Mitch realizes that in his hectic life of trying to climb the journalism ladder, he has neglected his faithful wife and friends. As Morrie continues to deteriorate, the Tuesday lessons become his joy, and he decides that Mitch should write a final project of sorts, which manifested into this book.
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