Perspective

Schwartz's perspective is a combination of wisdom, compassion, empathy and one in such of a spiritual connection. Schwartz clearly conceives of himself as a man whose background in the sociology of suffering and his experience with Lou Gehrig's disease give him an unusual perspective on terminal illness. Thus he spent much of his time when he was in physical decline crafting aphorisms to help others make it through what he was experiencing at the time. These aphorisms are meant to encapsulate lessons that Schwartz explains throughout the book.

The compassion in the book is obvious. Schwartz clearly understands what the sufferer is experiencing and aims to help her find consolation despite her difficulties. He understands the sense of loss, grief, isolation, frustration and hopelessness that accompany having a terminal illness. His eagerness to encourage those who share his struggle displays a desire to help them. His perspective of...