Introduction
The delicate but profound relationship between mentor and mentee is beautifully illustrated in Mitch Albom's memoir Tuesdays with Morrie. Through the evolution of Mitch and Morrie's Tuesday meetings, Albom reveals the extraordinary impact one person can have by selflessly guiding another. Morrie Schwartz, a sociology professor dying of ALS, imparts invaluable life lessons to his former student Mitch, teaching him about living compassionately, wholly, and without fear. Their time together transforms Mitch, helping him reassess his priorities and values before it's too late. In just three months, Morrie fundamentally changes Mitch's perspective, compelling him to live more meaningfully. This essay will examine Morrie's mentoring philosophy and methods that so profoundly affected Mitch, demonstrating the power of wisdom generously shared.
Mitch Albom's College Experience and Career Pursuits
Mitch Albom first took Morrie Schwartz's class in college, drawn in by the professor's passion for teaching and living fully. After graduation, Mitch's career ambitions led him away from Morrie's teachings as he relentlessly pursued money and status as a sports journalist. Sixteen years later, Mitch rediscovered Morrie on Nightline, speaking openly about his terminal illness ALS, still embracing life. Mitch visited Morrie, moved by his former professor's grace and positivity while dying. Every Tuesday until Morrie's death, Mitch visited him, listening to Morrie's lessons on living compassionately, leaving a legacy, and accepting death. Their relationship reconnected Mitch to Morrie's love of people and living purposefully. Tuesdays with Morrie shares their profound mentor-mentee relationship and its deep impact.
Morrie's Selfless Sharing of Wisdom
A devoted mentor, Morrie selflessly shares his wisdom with Mitch to enrich Mitch's perspective. Morrie teaches Mitch about detaching from material things and prioritizing emotional health, explaining that "...the culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. And you have to be strong enough to say if the culture doesn't work, don't buy it" (Albom 42). Morrie believed societal values like wealth are fleeting, urging Mitch to focus instead on personal fulfillment. By advising Mitch to reject superficial values, Morrie compels self-reflection, moving Mitch to reexamine his priorities. Morrie mentors Mitch spiritually, convincing him to see beyond materialism. His lessons fundamentally alter Mitch's values, revealing Morrie's incredible skill as a life mentor.
Preparing Mitch for Morrie's Impending Death
Furthermore, Morrie prepares Mitch for his impending death, guiding him through grief using empathy and wisdom. When Mitch struggles watching Morrie deteriorate, Morrie comforts him, saying "I want to give you permission to grieve for me. There are so many people who walk around who can't grieve...When you miss me...You say to yourself, 'Morrie would want me to do this'"(Albom 103). Despite his declining health, Morrie selflessly comforts Mitch, allowing him to process the grief gradually. By comforting Mitch rather than pitying himself, Morrie exhibits the compassion that makes him an exceptional mentor. His empathy and generosity leave an indelible impact on Mitch.
Addressing Critiques of Morrie's Lessons as Idealistic
Some argue Morrie's lessons are overly idealistic, simplifying complex cultural issues like materialism. They claim Morrie's advice to reject consumerism and embrace emotions ignores practical realities many face living paycheck to paycheck. While Morrie does advocate drastic perspective shifts that can seem impractical for some lifestyles, his core message of living with compassion and gravitating toward personal fulfillment rather than status remains profoundly important. Appreciating friends and family and not taking loved ones for granted does not require wealth. Morrie's central teachings to love people wholeheartedly and live purposely, though demanding significant personal change, provide timeless wisdom that applies to many walks of life.
Conclusion
Tuesdays with Morrie illustrates the deep fulfillment possible through mentoring. By selflessly sharing with Mitch his lifetime of wisdom and values about living compassionately and wholly, Morrie leaves an indelible mark on Mitch's perspective that fundamentally changes him. All people deserve to give and receive such compassion. Morrie teaches that by loving and encouraging one another, we create meaning. His lessons will continue impacting Mitch and all he teaches well beyond his death. Through Tuesdays with Morrie, Morrie Schwartz's inspirational mentoring legacy endures.
