“When a baby comes into the world, its hands are clenched, right? Like this?" He made a fist. "Why? Because a baby, not knowing any better, wants to grab everything, to say, 'The whole world is mine.' "But when an old person dies, how does he do so? With his hands open. Why? Because he has learned his lesson." What lesson? I asked. He stretched open his empty fingers. "We can take nothing with us.”

American author, sports journalist, talk show host, and philanthropist

Mitch Albom is an American author, sports journalist, talk show host, and philanthropist. He first drew national attention through sports journalism, before becoming widely known for his books and inspirational storytelling. His best-known early work is Tuesdays with Morrie, which helped establish the themes he often returns to in his writing. By 2021, his books were reported to have sold 40 million copies worldwide.