An aphorism is a phrase or expression that contains a general truth. In the memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, Morrie Schwartz is dying of ALS. Morrie remembers a previous student of his, Mitch Albom, who he had came in contact with after many years. Mitch had not been living his life to the fullest and isn't content with his lifestyle. For this reason, he went to see Morrie, and had a life changing moment. In effect, Morrie had inspired Mitch to change the way he lives and to have a new perspective of life. Morrie gave Mitch many aphorisms to live by that inspired millions around the globe, including myself. Three aphorisms that were significant to me were, “money is not a substitute for tenderness and power isn't a substitute for tenderness”, …show more content…
“when you're in bed you're dead”, and “devote yourself to what gives you meaning.” One special aphorism to me that Morrie stated is that, “money is not a substitute for tenderness and power isn't a substitute for tenderness.” The quote signifies that money and power don't buy you happiness and nor will they provide you joy that human contact can bring you.
Furthermore, I strongly agree with this statement. I believe that money can make someone feel comfortable and less stressed about their daily lives; however, money does tend to bring many individuals who just use you for your wealth. This connects to the memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, and when Morrie advised Mitch about his career choice. Mitch had planned to be a musician, but consequently decided to become a sports journalist when he didn't become a famous pianist. Morrie had admired Mitch for picking the difficult lifestyle of being a musician, but was then disappointed to see how Mitch did not care for his job. Although Mitch was affluent, he didn't see the purpose of his job and saw no importance in his career …show more content…
choice. When I was younger, I believed that wealth was capable of covering personal issues and concerns that one had. As I grew older, I had realized that money doesn't take away problems and that it certainly doesn't buy happiness. I had been chasing jobs that paid high salaries, but I realized that I must choose a job that I enjoy. I noticed that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life at a job where I would dread my past choices everyday. Morrie’s aphorism can be applied in my life showing that as one matures, they come to realize that money isn't the key to being joyful. Family, love, and laughs all replace money showing that they are genuine and could never be bought. Enjoy those around you who care for you and not your wealth. Another aphorism that Morrie stated in the memoir is, “when you're in bed, you're dead.” This quote explains the point of view that once an individual is incapable of getting out of bed, their life has no more purpose.
I support this argument because once an individual's life is in the hands of another person, I believe that an individual feels dead and unworthy. Likewise, Morries ALS crippled him stopping him from enjoying the basic functions of the human body, and relying on another individual for the basic actions in life. Morrie had lived his life to the fullest and even danced till the last day he could stand. Being diagnosed with ALS made Morrie wiser and more understanding about the small things that make an individual feel alive. In spite of his illness, Morrie had refused to stay in his bed until the day he
died. This aphorism relates to my life by showing me the determination and struggle that my sister went through. As a child, my sister, Ghada, was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome. This is an illness that attacks the nerves and results in lethal conditions. My sister had been paralyzed and was even in a coma for three months. Not only this, but she had lost the ability to speak and swallow. After spending months in her hospital bed, my sister went to physical therapy. She learned to walk, speak, and was even capable of caring for herself. In effect, Ghada became bilingual and even graduated valedictorian of her class in 2010. For these reasons, she inspired me by showing me that anything is possible and that hard work pays off. This can be applied in my life showing me that anyone can get out of their bed and strive for their dreams, no matter what hurdles that may have to jump over. I had believed the road to success was easy not realizing the issues one must tackle. The last aphorism that left a mark on me is, “devote yourself to what gives you meaning.” Morrie meant this quote for individuals who see no purpose or satisfaction from their job. He believes that one must do what they enjoy and not worry about the wealth that it may bring you. In our culture, many individuals are looked down upon for doing what they enjoy because it may not be the traditional lifestyle. Therefor, I agree with Morrie that a person must enjoy what they do for a living, and not care for just becoming wealthy. A job that makes an individual unhappy starts to feel like punishment and a regret that one will live for the rest of their life. This connects to the novel by Morrie telling Mitch to follow his dreams and not the culture. Morrie believes that the culture in corrupt and kills creativity. As a result, Morrie advised Mitch throughout his college career to chase after his dreams and not society. This aphorism directly connects to my current age of sixteen. I am now considering careers and jobs that I believe I will enjoy. At first, I was always looking at the salary to make sure that I would get paid enough. With this intention, I realized that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life working a job that I would dread. Morrie has inspired me even further to chase after my goals, no matter what society wants to categorize me. The culture means nothing to me and I know that I am capable of creating my own personal culture. The memoir, Tuesdays with Morrie, taught me about life, happiness, and meaning. Morrie has touched the heart of millions, causing them to question their own life. Although Morrie may be old, he has lived and learned. Morrie inspired individuals to lead a happy life with the intentions of using love. According to Morrie you either, “love each other or perish.” Love is a strong tool that Morrie used, that brought tenderness and joy to his life.
Most of Tuesdays with Morrie consists of replays of conversations between Mitch and his former teacher, Morrie. This may seem like a pretty boring topic, yet Mitch Albom felt the need to write this book. Mitch could have easily just gone to visit his old professor, chatted with him, and left it at that. Why do you think that Mitch Albom felt the need to share his story? What do you spend money on and how can you save for things? What does society teach us about money, wealth, and greed?
A well-known expression is that money can’t buy happiness, yet people fantasize of winning the lottery, living in their dream house, and possessing enough tangible objects to feel satisfied with their lives. Most are under the preconceived notion that the absence of wealth and power translates to hardship and despair. This, however, is not the case, because a self-effacing lifestyle is not an indication of a lower quality of life, and often is better than one of great fortune. People yearn to have the financial independence and capabilities of those in higher ranking positions, and are willing to abandon their morals and own personal well-being if it means being successful. It seems that by reaching a level of wealth in which money is no longer
Third aphorism, is “There is no such thing as too late in life. He knew that is never too late to
The notion that people can live without money, and be content without money, is not a new concept. Countless people in the world believe that money is potentially damaging our society today.Many books have been written, and numerous studies have been concurred; which describe individuals that come from a life of wealth; that eventually strive to abandon its monetary values due to money 's influence and corruption, such as Chris McCandless from Into The Wild. Society today is driven by money, as we are constantly trying to achieve wealth and a higher status than others; even at a young age. These pressures of money may actually be what what is causing so much stress and anxiety, and is constantly shaping how our brains function. Books such as
The article “High Incomes Don’t Bring You Happiness” verbatimly states, “Beyond $75,000, money is important for life evaluation, but does nothing for happiness, enjoyment, sadness, or stress” (Kenney 4). Those who spend prodigal amounts of money disdain plebeians because they claim that money is the foundation to living a great life. However, money only helps one meet certain needs and does not contribute in instigating true happiness within oneself. Happiness comes naturally by one’s actions and accomplishments. Although, money helps buy the commodities which satisfy one’s life, it is not the direct source for obtaining glee within a
Tuesdays with Morrie is a touching video revealing the significance and meaning of life (Albom, 1997). The main character Morrie, enlightens a former student Mitch, what it truly means to live a fulfilling and rewarding life as opposed to allowing life to merely happen. This profound message is inspirational, embracing the transformation of the monotonous events in life to develop into a mature perspective of appreciation for others. A deep life lesson rooted from a dying man in his last several months speaks volumes for the younger generations. The purpose of this paper is to present my initial reaction of the video, discuss touch and intimacy, provide insightful interpretations of Morrie, and analyze the significance of quotes from the
While reading Tuesday with Morrie by Mitch Albom, it is discovered that Professor Morrie Schwartz a genuine humble old man filled with life ends up being dignosed with a fatal disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which targets the neourological system. Slowly losing his range of motion, Morrie tries to continue his life as normal as possible, As he lost his ability to walk without tripping, he purchased a cane to help him get by. When he is unable to undress himself, he finds someone to assist him the locker room so he can change in and out of his swimwear. Morrie is a man that refuses to give, only to find different techniques to get by. Accepting death, Morrie writes aphorisms about accepting life how it is. Inspiring many people with his
He further shows us that the people of today are richer than their grandparents but are not happier in their lives (from National Statistics of social pathology). Even with these facts, people in the United States still believe if they had more money all of their problems would be solved, but once they reach that next income bracket they are not satisfied and try to reach the next one. Myers et al tells us, "even if being rich and famous is rewarding, no one ever claimed material success alone makes us happy. Other conditions like - family- friends- free time - have been shown to increase happiness" (Csikszentmihaly 145). therefore we must find balance in our own lives, and not just focus on making money. Instead we need friends, family and even free time, as aforementioned doing an activity you enjoy such as listening to music or
For some, happiness is all that matters. Happiness is achieved in many ways, and it doesn’t always involve money. There are many things that contribute to making a person feel happy and successful. One can feel successful without a lot of money at all. For example, feeling loved is something that makes everyone happy. Many believe that without love life is not thoroughly complete, thus never truly achieving success. Ones line of work can also affect how happy he is. Some feel that it is more important to enjoy work and get less money than it is to hate work and get paid more. Another factor in achieving psychological success is ones ability to enjoy what life gives him. There are many qualities of life that are overlooked. Everyone is dealt family and it is important to value that.
Is there anyone in this world who does not want to be rich? The first thing that crosses the people’s mind while choosing job is money. Money plays a vital role in one's life and most of the people are motivated to perform well in their jobs for money. Money is the reason what drives people to work better. In most cases, money greatly works. People are motivated to perform better by receiving monetary incentives like wages, salaries, allowances, bonuses, retirement benefits, etc. But, money doesnot always contribute in influencing people towards the work. This essay will discuss the arguments that are both for and against money being the key motivator and suggest that money is not always the best motivator.
Any life is precious and George’s life is not an exception. According to Christianity, ALS patients have the same rights, rules, and beliefs as any other Christian (Penney, 2007). In Christianity, every life is sacred, since each human being has been created in the image of God, therefore human life is precious and must be treated as such. George’s illness will add value to his life, since suffering through his diseases will allow him to get closer to God (Shelly & Miller, 2006).
It is highly debated, but ultimately incorrect. The closest correlation found on this topic was in a study conducted by Stanford, an Ivy League business school. With their findings, we can concur that the only way money can make someone truly happy, is by spending it in constructive ways to help others. With that, it is safe to say that if someone finds themselves unsatisfied with their live and wealth, that they could use it for the greater good. They should put it into charities, or as simple as buying a friend a meal. Whatever it may be, use the money for others. And that is really how money can buy
..., a person who earns $25,000 is happier than a person who makes $125,000 and an employee who makes $500,000 is only slightly happier than someone who makes $55,000. Lastly, there are more important things in life that and make you happy, for example, friends. They don’t come with a price tag, and if they do, you definitely need new friends. Money won’t make you happy since good times can’t be bought. You don’t need a fancy vacation to have a good time; it’s just a matter of who you spend it with. Over the years, humans have blown the value of money way out of proportion. People make it seem like if you’re not filthy rich, then you won’t live a good life but it’s not true. You can lack money and yet still live a perfect, happy life.
When none of us has ever come across such words and formulas, none of the great personalities has ever mentioned it, then who the hell has instilled it in our minds that money brings happiness. But among this debate one question still raises its head - What is happiness? Happiness is not actually leading a luxurious life but the luxury of living a life. Happiness is not actually about expanding your business, but it lies in expanding the horizons of life. Happiness is not having a meal in the most famous restaurant but to have it with your most beloved family. It does not lie in attending honorable parties but to attend a party with honor.
It seems only natural that happiness should flow from having more money. Even if they don’t admit it, people still behave as though it were true. More money means you can have what you want and do what you want. The house you dream of? It’s yours. The new car you desire? Here are the keys. The freedom to enjoy your favourite pastimes? Here’s your racket, the court is down there, just past the pool.