Friday, December 26, 2008

Life's greatest lesson



"Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?"

Morrie Schwartz, Tuesdays with Morrie, 1997

Mitch Albom couldn't have made a better product! This book is based on a true story of a dying mentor and his once-upon-a-time student. What it teaches the reader, in the simplest of words, is life's most valuable lesson that there is nothing more important and deserving than life itself, which needs to be lived to the fullest and enjoyed at all times. It is a very inspirational story of how Morrie, the dying professor narrates anecdotes and views to Mitch, his former student, who visits him during his last days. The strong bond that has been forged between the two is very evident and indirectly suggests to the reader to seek such an association so as to enable one to learn from perspectives and people!

I would certainly not like to elucidate more than whatever I already have about this book and will urge you to read this at least once, for it will certainly prompt one to think about the nuances of life.

What intrigued me among many other instances in this book, is Morrie's question to Mitch, "Why are we embarrassed by silence? What comfort do we find in all the noise?"

Ever wondered why? I wish I had an answer!

I'd like to thank my friend Nandita who recommended this work of art sometime in 2006 and also my good friend Bharath who quite recently, via an email, recommended that I read it. More importantly, I have to thank my good friend Abhijit a.k.a Bandya for being very kind to lend me this masterpiece!

I did learn life's greatest lesson!

30 comments:

  1. Hey! first to comment!! Am glad that you read the book, And i'm sure that I don need to tell anymore on this. But I would urge everyone to read this book,,,

    The book talks for itself... And Morrie teaches more...

    ReplyDelete
  2. @ RV
    The fact that people are not comfortable with silence is one of the basic instincts of humanity, the instinct for companionship.
    My understanding is that no one likes to be alone in the world, without company. Silence denotes exactly that, of being alone. If you notice, when you are silent in someone's company, and if the silence is comfortable, it is not as painful, for we then know that we are not alone, we are just not talking.
    To be silent in someone's presence is the greatest compliment to give them, to tell them that your presence removes my need to belong, for with you, I am at peace.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Rak,

    Have not read the book...
    but, i think i have an answer to your question there....

    Silence is embarassing because it signifies death at the most basic level,
    and then all intermediary deaths within the course of life...

    Yet, silence is the best companion to communicate...its music, its philosophy, its art, its nature...it has you are the core of it...best way to know oneself....

    But again knowing oneself can be embarassing if the the knowledge gained so is not comforting to the conscience...

    This is a good post, very timely as far I see it....

    at the start of year..silent contemplation helps...don't be embarrassed at all ....its after all life that matters :)

    wishes,
    devika

    ReplyDelete
  4. forgot to say...

    its actually the chosen silence between two people that helps one to understand the other :)

    no amount of wordy noise helps...

    i always try to understand people reading their silence..so its not embarassing to me at all...


    devika

    ReplyDelete
  5. Seems like a very interesting premise to a possibly more interesting story!
    :D Read On Wise one!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Seems like the book is a real promising one. I do have a certain question myself and hope to find answers, probably...in this book?!

    ReplyDelete
  7. the way you introduced this book, it sounds like an interesting and enlightening read. i wonder if i can find it somewhere here...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gosh ! I just hope someday I would start reading again !

    and thats one powerful question!

    ReplyDelete
  9. thanks for sharing it. i will add that to my reading list. hope i can find it here!

    tc!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks a lot for introducing the book.I hope I can find it in the library.Is silence somehow related to peace....I feel so.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have something interesting for you here :

    http://vimalsparadise.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-mallu-wins.html

    ReplyDelete
  12. well as the old saying goes.. silence speaks louder than words.. sometimes its far more poignant than speech ..
    the book seems impressive.. I'd look for it ..

    ReplyDelete
  13. This book seems to be very intersting... Ya would definitely pass by them.. Thank You for sharing such a great experience!!!

    All the best! Keep writing...

    Cheers,
    Jay

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bharath

    Thanks very much for the recommendation! This is truly a work of art!
    Like I said before, in the post, I have learnt life's greatest lesson!

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  15. Adi

    Welcome here and thanks for leaving me a very meaningful and explanatory comment which I greatly appreciate!
    True that we seek companionship at all times and at every plane and perhaps so that we cannot stand silence.
    Silence is awkward and uncomfortable while in company

    But as you said, to be silent in someone's presence is the greatest compliment one can be accord to that person!

    Thanks very much

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  16. Devika Chechi

    You need to read this book. for, apart from being a wonderful read, the simplicity of the language used is amazing!
    It also helps one introspect deeply

    Talking about silence, most of us are rattled by it....we always want to be part of the noise rather than then eerie silence.
    But silence is a very important tool, for not only is it golden but also seldom misquoted!

    Thanks very much for your thoughts

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  17. Vivek

    You need to read this wonderful book..... it is a true masterpiece

    Thanks for the wonderful compliment [Wise One] ;), I'm floored

    Thanks also for being part of the blog-walk! Greatly appreciate it!

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  18. Vibu

    If you are looking for answers, this book is the place you got to visit!

    It comes highly recommended!

    & What is that certain question? ;)

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  19. Polona

    Thanks very much for your encouraging comments! Appreciate them!
    Considering the popularity of this book, I'm sure you'd be able to find it in any bookstore!

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  20. Vimmuuu

    You got to read, atleast for the sake of books such as these! It is also easily available in any good bookstore! You might wanna give Crossword a try!

    & Reg "May the best Mallu win"..... I will send you an entry soon..... theres something close to my heart that I wanna write about!

    Thanks for making this scope possible

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  21. Satheesh

    It is a must read and you should be able to find it in any bookstore. In the event of not being able to lay your hands on one, I'd suggest you to look it up via Amazon

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  22. Old Monk

    Thanks very much!

    You should be able to find this book in any library! It is a must read and one that will not take a lot of your time!

    Silence and Peace......of course yes, they go hand in glove!

    It is peace that reinforces silence and vice-versa!!!

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  23. Aria

    I agree hands down...... and would like to quote another "Silence is not only golden, it is seldom misquoted."

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jay

    Thanks very much

    This book is a must read.....do get urself a chance to read it!

    Cheers & New Year Wishes

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  25. I loved that quote from the book. Certainly a thought provoking question!

    I have heard much about this book, and this write up of yours now makes me want to read it :) It shall go on the list of those I must read this next year. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. hi there...
    wish you a hapy new year and thanks for your wishes!!!
    yeah change is always welcome..and am happy that your enjoying yourself in Pune....my brother stayed there for 6 monthd during hs training and absolutelyloved the place

    ReplyDelete
  27. Usha Ma'am

    Certainly a very thought provoking question which we are faced with in our everyday lives!

    You should read this book at the next given opportunity! It is a wonderful read!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  28. Shooting Star

    A very happy and prosperous new year to you and folks!

    Pune is a great place to live in and I'm enjoying every bit of it! I can quite relate to how your brother must have felt during his stay here!

    Warm Regards

    Rakesh

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. When is the photoblog launch, dear..

    do leave a note at my blog..else i wouldn't know :)

    love,
    devika

    ReplyDelete