Morrie says that you should commit your efforts for the good of others, to offer others "what you have to give." He believes that this is the key to achieving a meaningful life.
Morrie and Mitch had been discussing the destructive focus in our society on the accumulation of material wealth. Morrie points out that "things" do not satisfy the human yearning for tenderness and love which is at the root of all aquisitiveness. He goes on to explain that the only thing that brings true satisfaction in life is giving to others. He says,
"I don't mean money...I mean your time. Your concern. Your storytelling...If you're a young man or young woman and you have a skill, you are asked to come and teach it...You are very welcome there. And they are very grateful. This is how you start to get respect, by offering something that you have."
Morrie says that "there are plenty of places to do this," and mentions senior centers, hospitals, and shelters. Even in his condition, Morrie feels a need to give to other people because it "makes (him) feel alive." Morrie tells Mitch to commit to
"...do the kinds of things that cme from the heart. When you do, you won't be dissatisfied, you won't be envious, you won't be longing for somebody else's things. On the contrary, you'll be overwhelmed with what comes back" ("The Eighth Tuesday - We Talk About Money").
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