Publishers Weekly
01/02/2023
In this sage posthumous treatise, Schwartz (Morrie in His Own Words), the subject of Tuesdays with Morrie who died in 1995, explores the art of aging well. His son, Rob Schwartz, later found the manuscript for this book in his father’s desk drawer, and was taken by the meditation on “living... with greater joy” in one’s later years and by his father’s reflections on his 40-year career as a sociology professor. Getting older, Schwartz explains, can allow for growth, increased self-knowledge, and the achievement of long-held goals. After acknowledging ageism, Schwartz encourages readers to approach age-related challenges—illnesses, general decline, the fear of death—with healthy acceptance. He outlines suggestions for living well as an older adult, among them pursuing hobbies and committing to a cause that one is passionate about. It’s also important, he writes, to cultivate a “kind heart” and to not neglect one’s spiritually, which can entail meditating or deepening one’s personal relationship with God. In the end, Schwartz posits, “aging is not a problem we need to solve, but a stage in life to be lived well,” and the insight and non-sugar-coated wisdom he deploys make that point difficult to refute. Not only those over the hill will want to take a look. (Apr.)
#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power Daniel H. Pink
Getting older can mean getting better—but only if we abide by The Wisdom of Morrie. This remarkable work—plucked from a drawer by his son!—offers practical tips and inspiring guidance for living a healthy and vibrant life, no matter your age.”
Arthur C. Brooks
Many wish that there were a guide to aging well in the mold of Tuesdays with Morrie, the classic based on the wisdom of the late Morrie Schwartz. His son Rob has made it so. Schwarz has masterfully given us The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully. This book will change forever how you see the gift of aging.”
Mary O’Malley
The Wisdom of Morrie is an absolute must-read for anyone that has reached (or is planning to reach) ‘old’ age. I only made it a few pages in before I found myself, with pen in hand, underlying passages and making notes. This is not just a book, it is an exercise that should be taken by anyone who is wondering what their golden years might look like. Do yourself a favor and purchase a nice journal when you buy this book—you will be filling it in no time.”
award-winning author of Recipes for a Sacred Life Rivvy Neshama
In both deeply personal and teacherly ways, Morrie describes the loss and challenges we may face as we age and guides us toward a place of acceptance and hope. His strongest goal in aging was to become the best person he could be, and he encourages us to do the same. This book shines with an honesty and realness that will leave readers grateful for their visits with Morrie.”
Susan Schafer
Sociology professor and therapist Morrie Schwartz’s area of expertise was mental health, especially mental health as related to aging. Unlike Mitch Albom’s popular Tuesdays with Morrie, with its focus on the personal values of his subject (yes, this is that Morrie), Schwartz’s own writing’s focus is how people of any age, but especially in the last decades of life, can find meaning and joy despite decline, loss, and the prospect of death.”
Ted Koppel
Morrie would have loved this: after the phenomenal success of Tuesdays with Morrie, the movie, the theatrical productions; more than twenty-seven years after his final conversations with Mitch Albom and with me, he gets to engage and inspire all over again. This lovely “second act” of Morrie’s was written more than thirty years ago and has been revived by his son, Rob, who added some words of wisdom of his own. Didn’t you ever wonder what else Morrie had to say? Well, here it is.”
Deepak Chopra
The Wisdom traditions of the world all agree that our life is short and passes by like a dream. Unfortunately, most people are neither surprised nor grateful for their existence. This is a beautiful book that shows that every moment of existence is precious and adversity is part of our life’s journey. Those lucky enough to read this book will be inspired to higher consciousness in the midst of aging, infirmity, and the final chapters of life.”
Foreword Reviews
Morrie Schwartz’s The Wisdom of Morrie is a thoughtful treatise that is filled with insights about aging with joy…A thoughtful examination of aging with practical advice on how to make the most out of one’s late stages of life.”
MAY 2023 - AudioFile
The late Morrie Schwartz was the subject of the popular book and movie TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE. Here, actor Steven Weber narrates Schwartz's posthumously edited guide to aging. Weber sounds seamlessly connected to the author's timeless wisdom and altruistic spirit. Weber's wonderful tone and creative pitch range never upstage Morrie's thoughtful observations and advice. The author's message is informed by his career as a sociology professor, therapist, and student of Buddhism. It comes across casually--like a relaxing conversation with someone full of precious wisdom and humanity. With moving personal stories and observations, Morrie invites listeners to age proactively, to live creatively as who we are, and to seize every day and opportunity to fill our later years with joy and loving connections with others. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
