WRITTEN IN 1999 by Robin Sharma, this book has 101 maxims for living a better life.

Good Read: Who Will Cry When You Die?

Posted November 19, 2009

THERE ARE TIMES you come across good books that make such an impression on you that you want to share them with others. That’s the hope of Good Read. Share good books that you come across. Let’s pass on good books that inspire, encourage, and enlighten others. Ones that make us laugh and even cry. Here’s one to consider.

It’s a rather obscure little book that has made a big impact on its readers – Who will Cry When You Die? by Robin S. Sharma. Published in 1999, the quote on the first page hooks you from the start. “The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live.” Who Will Cry When You Die? is profoundly, a book about living. It’s a book about living deliberately, living joyfully, living completely. This is a book about living a good life. Who Will Cry When You Die? is a simple book of simple truths. It is 101 maxims on living a more meaningful, more fulfilling, more significant life.

This is a book that is a reminder of many things you intuitively already know. And it is a source for new paths you may have never traveled before. But the destination is the same. A better way to live.

Perhaps the best insight into the wisdom of this little book lies in the first maxim from Mr. Sharma:

“When I was growing up, my father said something to me I will never forget, ‘Son, when you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries while you rejoice.’ We live in an age when we have forgotten what life is all about. We can easily put a person on the Moon, but we have trouble walking across the street to meet a new neighbor. We can fire a missile across the world with pinpoint accuracy, but we have trouble keeping a date with our children to go to the library. We have email, fax machines, and digital phones so that we can stay connected, and yet we live in a time where human beings have never been less connected. We have lost touch with our humanity. We have lost touch with our purpose. We have lost sight of the things that matter the most.

"And so, as you start this book, I respectfully ask you, who will cry when you die? How many lives will you touch while you have the privilege to walk this planet? What impact will your life have on the generations that follow you? And what legacy will you leave behind after you have taken your last breath? One of the lessons I have learned in my own life is that if you don’t act on life, life has a habit of acting on you. The days slip into weeks, the weeks slip into months and the months slip into years. Pretty soon it’s all over, and you are left with nothing more than a heart filled with regret over a life half lived. George Bernard Shaw was asked on his deathbed, ‘What would you do if you could live your life over again?’ He reflected, then replied with a deep sigh: ‘I’d like to be the person I could have been but never was.’ I’ve written this book so that this will never happen to you.”

Have you read a good book lately? One that inspired you or motivated you or enlightened you? Share it with us. Email us at editor@seethegood.com.

comments (31)

I cant wait to read this book...it sounds like one of those books that does change your outlook on life. :)

Mel

Running to the book store to buy two or more...one for me, and one for another! Thanks!

Janelle

I had a college professor once that said "write your own eulogy and live your life so it becomes true". I've never forgotten that. I've not read this book, but it sounds like that's the message.

dennis

I got goose bumps reading this, it is just what I have been looking for to get things in check and get back to basics.

Jen Zappa

This is very interesting, and quite refreshing. I'll be sure to pick this one up.

Desiree

First I want to thank you for putting this information out here. I am looking forward to reading this book.

Anita

I tried locating the book and haven't been successful as of yet. Books-a-Million advises to go on their site under "hard to find". The price could run anywhere from $18 to $61.

Rose Ratcliff

It's so nice to learn about LIFE before it is too late. Opportunities like this adds to LIFE. Working around people with a positive- "how can I make the world better" ethos is a positive life influence. What joy!

Vasan Serca

I will read this book and I'll be back to tell everyone, because I'm sure is a lesson of life. :)

Patricia

Looking forward to reading this one!!!! I am always looking for inspiring books for me and others!!! Thank you for recommending this.

Melisa

I am so anxious and excited about reading this book, just the little quotes and notations make it that more interesting, and make me want to read all the more.

Jannita

Coming into the new year this is really something we all need to take a look at and do a self evaluation. I am sure it would make for a more meaningful year. I can't wait to read it.

Rutha Washington

To Rose Ratcliff, thank you for sharing. You might try Mizuobooks.com--$11.91 plus shipping. This seller is listed on Amazon.com. In the future, we will try to review books that are more widely available.

Editor, See the Good

I am not a reader but this book sounds like it would be a benefit so I am going to get.

Georgia Kirby

When I read this title, it really made me think about my life and what legacy I will leave behind. I will certainly find and read this book.

Blanchie

I found this book at Amazon.com for about $11. I am about 50 pages in and it truly gives you so many things to think about.

Erin

I just ordered this book off of Amazon and paid 13.99 with shipping. I'm so excited to read this inspirational book and can't wait to learn the life lessons it has to offer!

Heather

I'm not one that loves to read, but the prelude above has just made me very anxious to buy the book. Thank you for the food for thought. I will share it!

Cynthia Bender

I was nearly in tears just reading these small clips. I can't wait to get this book!

Jamie

I think that this book be be a good life changer for the better. I can't wait to read it.

martha

I would love to read this book and then pass on to my children as a little reminder to enjoy life!

D. Graves

I can't wait to start reading this book...I love inspiring books like this.

Sherry

Gosh, what an inspiration! Can't wait to read it!!

Shena

i cant wait to get this book!

Thurman

Thank you ...I will get this book tonight.

wanda

This book sounds amazing, I look forward to reading it. What an excellent quote and words to live by - ‘Son, when you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die the world cries while you rejoice.’

Joel

By the way, if you like this book, you may like "The Shack" or "The Five People You Meet in Heaven."

Joel

Another very inspiring and engaging book by Robin Sharma is "Family Wisdom from The Monk Who sold his Ferrari"

B Lewis

Wow, even this article made me tear up. It is defintely going to the top of "must read" list!

Ronda

i read this book in my school "ST.KAREN'S HIGH SCHOOL" and i really i like it. It's so good. It's the only book which really touched my life, and motivated me to live my life joyfully, live my life completely. It's really superb. It has taught me life lessons ... I really loved this book very much.. if you could tell me any other book like this I would love to read that. My name is MAHI ARYAN and doing graduation from "PATNA WOMEN'S COLLEGE" in PATNA.

pooja chandra

i have heard about this book and very excited to read it. its title is very attractive.

anjela