Ethics Analysis of -Tuesdays with Morrie - Book Report/Review Example

? Ethics Analysis of Book-Tuesdays with Morrie Ethics Analysis of Book Tuesdays with Morrie A lot of books written by different authors often have a message that reaches their target audience. It is considered a way of communication between people who might have similar interests and taste. Over the years, social connection has become possible through the writing of books that talk about love and togetherness in the face of adversity. Tuesdays with Morrie is one such book. It works to inspire people to reach out to one another and find the best in each other for the betterment of society. The non-fiction book talks of the time that people need to spend with each other as a way to converse and value the presence of others. This is despite the differences people might have in society. Tuesdays with Morrie works to inspire the audience that despite the differences in age, social status, and/or level of education, people need each other to survive and thrive (Albom, 1997). This paper will examine some of the central themes in the book and what they mean in the modern society. Analysis of topic addressed The author, Mitch Albom, is a sports columnist for a newspaper in Michigan. After college, Mitch decided to pursue this different path despite his dream of being a pianist. He was not in touch with his professor until he saw him on television and decided to call. His professor, who at the time was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, remembered his student, and they decided to meet after 15 years or so. During the meetings the two individuals had, a lot was said and a lot changed between them. Mitch always thought that the differences that existed in the world worked against people. However, he claims that individuals need to form their own culture to counteract the oppressive nature of popular culture that a countless number of individuals exhibit (Albom, 1997). Different values that make individuals happy, loving, and caring were covered in these meetings. It is a fact that two individuals will always have different opinions depending on some of the situations they have witnessed in life. Openness and common interest should be among the things that unite individuals and assist them in understanding each other. The differences that people have often act as a hindrance towards unification and understanding, and the media is not helping in alleviating this problem. This is according to Mitch, who believes that the media is only covered with hatred, depression, violence, and death (Albom, 1997). To some extent, this is true. However, people need to take time to find a solution through the right actions, and help the media spread appropriate messages. Humanistic/Social significance Violence, depression, deceit, and hatred are among the top reasons that cause people in society to get killed. They often lead to distrust among individuals. These problems are becoming persistent in the 21st century, and society and all its values may be going down the drain. There is absolutely no respect for the elderly, or the time to be with them when they need it. People are overly concerned with how to survive that they forget about who they owe some of the basic things in life. Mitch had to see his professor on a show to remember that he once suffered from ALS and that it was only a matter of time before he died (Albom, 1997). This should not be the case among people who care and love one another. The elderly are much a part of society as the young ones. It is the duty of all those capable to protect them, and ensure that they receive attention as they once offered. It may be a daunting task, but very practical. There are certain things that are out of man’s control. Mitch’s professor had ALS for a long time, but time was finally catching up to him. He had lost all use of his body, but his brain had not yet failed him. As he lay in bed, he used to say; “when you are in bed, you are dead (Albom, 1997).” All this is symbolic of what every individual might have to go through at some point in life. Society should, therefore, work towards ensuring that everyone else feels safe in their environment and surrounding. Moral issue brought out by the work Ignoring that society is deteriorating might not be an appropriate step to take. A problem does exist and it is through the author’s eyes that the audience gets to see this. People do not want to accept that it is impossible to stand alone. This is evident even in the book where the audience meets Peter, Mitch’s brother, who is suffering from cancer. He refuses assistance from family as he tries to display a facade of toughness. As we see through their meetings, Mitch finally comes to terms with the fact that everyone needs someone to survive. Mitch contacts Peter to revive the love they previously had for each other as siblings. Peter, after realizing this, also decides to welcome Mitch back into his life (Albom, 1997). In this case, the moral issue is that people have built imaginary walls that restrict people from seeing who they really are. This is usually done to avoid being hurt, in the long run, as most people confess. Distrust and deceit are the common reasons for these walls, and they prevent people from getting to be the best they can be in society (Albom, 1997). They choose to keep to themselves hoping that their problems, and those of others, may go away. Burying their heads in the sand may be the appropriate analogy to use as they try to avoid troubles and problems that come their way. There is more to life than working trying to make end meet, as the author attests. Trying to find the meaning of life may be much more important than living a luxurious life, which may otherwise turn out to be empty. Critique of author’s approach The author decided on an approach that may reach a wide audience. People get attached and connected to the characters in the book through some of the hardships they go through. Enlightenment used by the author brings focus to the genuine nature of folks in society. No matter how hard people try to conceal their real emotion in a sea of deceit and toughness, there is a small fraction that does care. It is the nature and design of life. People cannot just switch off when it comes to caring or loving. This is what the author sought out to achieve. Through his connection with his professor, the audience gets to comprehend the importance of life (Albom, 1997). In conclusion, every individual has a part to play in the growth and development of society. Through compassion and understanding the values of other people, individuals may be better placed to care and love one another as the author came to understand. Professor Schwartz was afraid of death. This is clear when he indicates that he is afraid of going to the bathroom and not being able to take care of himself as expected. Through him the audience gets to wish that they would be different in that, they would get to value love over money and material possessions. Relationships are crucial in life. The author’s relationship with his professor is rekindled when he sees him on television. Theirs is a father-son relationship that was part of their lives while he was still in school (Albom, 1997). This is the attitude the author wishes everyone would adopt for a better society. Reference Albom, M. (1997). Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life’s greatest lesson. New York: Random House Publishers. Read More