Interview with Morrie Schwartz - Essay Example

Morrie Schwartz Interview Ted Koppel conducted a series of interviews with Morrie Schwartz and they were released by ABC on a video d Lessons on Living. Both Koppel and Schwartz are extraordinary individuals and Koppel's last episode as host of NightLine in November of 2005 was a retrospective of Schwartz who had lost his battle with Lou Gehrig's disease by then. This paper encompasses a discussion of the interviews between Koppel and Schwartz. Ted Koppel did a series of three interviews with the extraordinary Morrie Schwartz for ABC's Nightline.

Schwartz, a retired sociology professor from Brandeis University, was dying of Lou Gehrig's disease; before he passed away, he wanted to share the wisdom that comes from the experience of knowing you are going to die, and to give advice to others on how to behave when facing death. (ABC News) Schwartz relayed an important message during the interviews. H e conveyed to the viewers that it was not bad to die, he felt an individual had to confront their death and embrace it just as they had their life.

Morrie's message was to choose how you want to confront your death, and do not let go of that--comes through repeatedly in everything Schwartz says and does. Consistently cheerful, remarkably clear, and mentally strong, Schwartz touches with his special view of the world. (ABC News) During the lithe three interviews with Koppel, it becomes obvious that Schwartz is becoming progressively more ill, he provides uplifting messages and they are positive in this respect. The interviews are meaningful and provide a positive message for the viewer.

There is good rapport between Schwartz and Koppel during t he interviews and it is obvious that they are fond of each other and have mutual respect for one another as well. During the interviews, Morrie shared information about his physical condition. He was very frank about what was happening to his body and the two spoke about Morrie's illness in a comfortable manner as if they were old friends. The interviews are both sad and wise. "It is an experience we all shall face, hopefully with the grace and attitude of Morrie Schwartz" (ABC News) The interviews are inspiring and Morrie Schwartz is intriguing and gives advice that is positive and beneficial to how a person views and accepts death.

Schwartz the retired sociology professor has an attitude that intrigues and inspires the viewer. Koppel and Schwartz have a rapport that makes the interview so easy to watch. Koppel asks Morrie some straightforward questions about his impending death and Morrie is straightforward in answering them. Schwartz shares his philosophies on life and death with Koppel during these interviews and it becomes apparent the Morrie is a wise man who is not bitter about his disease or impending death. He comes across as both a gently and wise man and as the interviews progress it becomes obvious that Koppel admires and respects Schwartz.

The intimate conversations, taped with Ted Koppel over a few months, reveal Schwartz's battle with the debilitating Lou Gehrig's disease -- which did not dim his spirit. A lifetime of experience unravels one man's perspectives, old and new, on such universal themes as love, humanity, compassion, and our own mortality. This rare and personal journey, told through one man's eyes, will teach, motivate, and inspire anyone of any age to live each day in defiance of time. To simply live. (ABC News) Works Cited ABC News.

"ABC News Presents: Morrie Schwartz - Lessons on Living" 08/09/2005