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What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The disease can be gradual, and it shuts down an afflicted person’s body over time by breaking down motor neurons which help the brain signal for the body to move. Eventually, it shuts down the muscle movements of vital organs and the patient will pass away. Currently, there is no known cure. Morrie Schwartz was diagnosed with ALS in 1994 and died in November 1995.
Why does Mitch visit Morrie?
Although Morrie told Mitch to stay in touch when he graduated, Mitch did not. Instead, he went on to become a wealthy and successful sportswriter with few ties to his college friends. He sees Morrie on television after Morrie does an interview about his experience with ALS and feels compelled to go visit him. Morrie’s honesty about his condition and his insights on life resonate with Mitch. Mitch feels Morrie understands something that Mitch has lost, but he also remembers just how much he enjoys spending time with Morrie. Mitch resolves to keep visiting Morrie in part to fulfill his college promise, and to learn more about Morrie’s perspective on life.
What are Morrie’s aphorisms?
An aphorism is a short statement that holds a universal truth. Morrie starts jotting down aphorisms as his disease progresses and he loses more of his mobility. Morrie knows he has limited time left, and he wants to pack as much life as he can into that time. His mind remains intact, and his aphorisms allow him to continue to engage with the world in a fulfilling way. Mitch, Ted Koppel, and many other people in Morrie’s life directly benefit from Morrie’s advice and aphorisms, which covered a range of themes: forgiveness, acceptance, relationships, and love, just to name a few.
What are Morrie’s aphorisms?
An aphorism is a short statement that holds a universal truth. Morrie starts jotting down aphorisms as his disease progresses and he loses more of his mobility. Morrie knows he has limited time left, and he wants to pack as much life as he can into that time. His mind remains intact, and his aphorisms allow him to continue to engage with the world in a fulfilling way. Mitch, Ted Koppel, and many other people in Morrie’s life directly benefit from Morrie’s advice and aphorisms, which covered a range of themes: forgiveness, acceptance, relationships, and love, just to name a few.
Why did Morrie’s colleague’s funeral upset Morrie?
Morrie already knows he is dying when he attends his friend’s funeral, and it saddens Morrie that his friend never got to hear all the love people had for him when he was alive. He refers to the funeral as a “waste.” Instead of a typical funeral, Morrie decides to have a living memorial, inviting all his friends and loved ones together to give eulogies while Morrie is still alive. This allows him to hear and be a part of the affection his community has for him.
How is Morrie different from Peter?
After several sessions with Morrie, Mitch reveals that his younger brother, Peter, is distant from their family. Peter lives in Europe where he underwent experimental treatment for pancreas cancer. Peter did not want his family around while he was in treatment and, although he has entered remission, he still does not pick up his phone when Mitch calls. Morrie, on the other hand, clings to the relationships and human interaction he can glean. Morrie openly tells Mitch how much he appreciates his presence and shows of affection, particularly physical affection. By spending time with Morrie, Mitch feels like he is filling a role his brother did not allow him.
