The Syllabus
In the second chapter of tuesdays with Morrie called The Syllabus, Morrie, a college professor at Brandeis University, finds out he has A.L.S., or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurological disorder that deteriorates the nerves, the victim’s soul is “imprisoned inside a limp husk.” Although many people would shrivel up in a hole, unable to publicize their coming death, Morrie Schwartz decides that is a stupid idea and wishes to make the last two years of his life productive. Morrie wants to be “[a] human textbook. Study me in my slow and patient demise. Watch what happens to me. Learn with me.” From that thought on, he decides to share what he is learning with everyone he loves. While his body is slowly falling asleep, needing pills, therapy, nurses, and a home care worker, his mind is coming awake with a million thoughts about life and death.