[People Met Through Books] "This Is the Blooming Moment of My Life" Professor Mori's Final Confession

Unpublished Final Work by Professor Mori Schwartz of 'Tuesdays with Mori' That Moved 40 Million Readers Worldwide
Final Work Written Until 3 Years Before Passing
Son Rob Schwartz Publishes 'What a Wonderful Life'
"The Secret to Aging Happily Is Caring for and Loving People"

The moment when humans face life most sincerely is likely the moment before death. There is no need for pretense in the face of death. The honest confession of life by someone facing death resonates deeply with many people. This is true of Morrie Schwartz from Tuesdays with Morrie. Before passing away from ALS, he shared his insights about the world, family, death, self-pity, and love with his student, which was turned into Tuesdays with Morrie and warmly touched the hearts of 40 million readers worldwide. He emphasized the importance of 'human relationships,' saying, "Death ends life, not relationships." The posthumously published Such a Wonderful Life, released by his family, focuses on the 'tips for aging joyfully' that he did not get to share. Morrie Schwartz feared old age but confessed that after facing it, "I now know this is the prime of my life." At the same time, he insisted that feelings of alienation or inferiority are psychologically irreparable wounds and urged society to stop the social violence inflicted on the elderly. The book contains the right attitudes for individuals and society toward aging. The manuscript, written from 1988 until three years before his death in 1992, was organized and published by his son, Rob Schwartz. How did the son perceive his father's aging and final stage of life? We asked Rob Schwartz about it.

Mori Schwartz and his son Rob Schwartz in childhood. [Photo by Namu Yeop-ui Ja]

-You published your father's manuscript as the book Such a Wonderful Life. What are your thoughts on editing and publishing the book?

▲Through the publishing process, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of my father's insights on aging and his overall attitude toward life reflected in his work. Although I occasionally discussed aging with him while he was alive, this time it became much clearer. I felt the humanism that permeates my father's life even more strongly. He emphasized that caring for and loving people is the best way to live a meaningful life.

-Tuesdays with Morrie received worldwide love. However, your father passed away before seeing its success. This new book is similar. How do you think he would have reacted if he had seen it?

▲Tuesdays with Morrie was published in 1997, and my father passed away in November 1995. He did not see this book either, but I am confident he would have been very pleased to see people embracing his wisdom and life with deep love and care.

-What kind of person was your father to you? How was your usual father-son relationship? Was there any specialness within the ordinary?

▲Personally, I was very close to my father. We resembled each other emotionally in many ways. He was an intellectual and emotionally rich. He always expressed his feelings, and I am the same. Our father-son relationship was consistent. We were always very close and shared personal thoughts and feelings. He was always encouraging as a father and mentor. I still cherish memories of spending time in his office at Brandeis University, where he taught students, and of him teaching me how to ride a bicycle. He often said that raising children was the greatest joy of his life.

-The book deals with aging. How do you remember your father's old age? Were there any notable changes between his youth and old age?

▲My father's life was always full of energy and joy. That did not change even in his 70s. The only change was when he developed asthma after a trip to China, and he lost a lot of energy then. His physical activity significantly slowed down at that time, which was a sign of ALS. At his memorial service, a cousin said it seemed like my father never aged, and we all wholeheartedly agreed. He never lost the qualities, joy, leisure, and comfort of youth during his lifetime.

Rob Schwartz, son of Mori Schwartz, famous for "Tuesday with Mori."
[Photo by Namuyeopui Ja]

-In old age, happiness can increase or, conversely, unhappiness can be felt more strongly. How was your father in this regard?

▲My father lived a very happy life. He enjoyed joy and freedom by teaching university students and learning from them. Having experienced extreme poverty in childhood, he was genuinely grateful for financial stability and a comfortable life. He also had a very good relationship with my mother and family. He especially loved raising children. He felt equal happiness teaching on campus or spending time with family at home.

-How is your mother doing? Based on the book, is she enjoying her old age?

▲My mother passed away in 2021 at the age of 98. While alive, she enjoyed an active lifestyle as recommended in the book. She worked at MIT until age 73, then ran a private therapy center and worked as a therapist. She managed the office, met patients, and handled all accounting and administrative tasks herself. She did this until she was 91. In her leisure time, she enjoyed art, reading, theater, and movies with friends.

-Your father battled ALS. How did the illness affect him?

▲Despite the illness, my father consciously spent as much time as possible with family and friends. Of course, he initially experienced severe depression. But he decided to overcome depression by enjoying life, and he succeeded. It was a heroic and very determined act, and as a result, he stayed strong by our side for a long time until he passed away.

-What do you feel is the biggest issue regarding elder care? What social measures do you think are necessary?

▲Our society must accept that the elderly have tremendous potential and should never be excluded from workplaces or society in any way. Although their movements may be slower, their lives contain rich wisdom and insight. We must respect and listen to them. Age or individual characteristics should not be obstacles. Society should become more open, allowing all members to participate freely.

-The role of those around the elderly seems important for a healthy body and mind in old age. How can people help?

▲Continuous communication. We must listen to their thoughts and take what they say seriously. We should not ignore them just because their movements or speech are slow. If physical or mental care is needed, we should try to communicate and interact intellectually and emotionally with them, even if it means bringing in professionals.

-What do you hope for regarding the impact of this book's publication?

▲I hope it reaches as many readers as possible and sparks a global discussion on including the elderly, who possess abundant life wisdom, in mainstream society. I want to do everything I can to convey the book's message to people. I have spent much of my life in Asia. I lived in Japan for quite a while and visited Korea several times as the Asia bureau chief for Billboard magazine. I hope to have opportunities for book tours where I can meet many people and share stories.