"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!
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,,,
ReplyDeleteThe book talks for itself... And Morrie teaches more...
@ RV
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
Hi Rak,
ReplyDeleteHave 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
forgot to say...
ReplyDeleteits 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
Seems like a very interesting premise to a possibly more interesting story!
ReplyDelete:D Read On Wise one!
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?!
ReplyDeletethe way you introduced this book, it sounds like an interesting and enlightening read. i wonder if i can find it somewhere here...
ReplyDeleteGosh ! I just hope someday I would start reading again !
ReplyDeleteand thats one powerful question!
thanks for sharing it. i will add that to my reading list. hope i can find it here!
ReplyDeletetc!
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.
ReplyDeleteI have something interesting for you here :
ReplyDeletehttp://vimalsparadise.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-mallu-wins.html
well as the old saying goes.. silence speaks louder than words.. sometimes its far more poignant than speech ..
ReplyDeletethe book seems impressive.. I'd look for it ..
This book seems to be very intersting... Ya would definitely pass by them.. Thank You for sharing such a great experience!!!
ReplyDeleteAll the best! Keep writing...
Cheers,
Jay
Bharath
ReplyDeleteThanks 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
Adi
ReplyDeleteWelcome 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
Devika Chechi
ReplyDeleteYou 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
Vivek
ReplyDeleteYou 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
Vibu
ReplyDeleteIf 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
Polona
ReplyDeleteThanks 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
Vimmuuu
ReplyDeleteYou 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
Satheesh
ReplyDeleteIt 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
Old Monk
ReplyDeleteThanks 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
Aria
ReplyDeleteI agree hands down...... and would like to quote another "Silence is not only golden, it is seldom misquoted."
Cheers & New Year Wishes
Rakesh
Jay
ReplyDeleteThanks very much
This book is a must read.....do get urself a chance to read it!
Cheers & New Year Wishes
Rakesh
I loved that quote from the book. Certainly a thought provoking question!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
hi there...
ReplyDeletewish 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
Usha Ma'am
ReplyDeleteCertainly 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
Shooting Star
ReplyDeleteA 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
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen is the photoblog launch, dear..
ReplyDeletedo leave a note at my blog..else i wouldn't know :)
love,
devika