Robin Sharma’s “Who Will Cry When You Die”
A Life-Changing Book That Teaches You How to Truly Live
Have you ever wondered what people will say about you when you’re no longer around? Will they miss your kindness, your love, and your presence? Or will life just carry on as if nothing happened?
That’s the powerful question at the heart of Robin Sharma’s thoughtful and inspiring book, Who Will Cry When You Die? It’s not a sad or heavy book, it’s a gentle, uplifting guide filled with practical advice to help us live a life that truly matters.
This book is the third in the series The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari series. And in many ways, it feels like a personal letter from a wise friend. Someone who’s already walked the road of life and is now sharing what really counts.
What is This Book About?
Who Will Cry When You Die? isn’t a novel. It’s a collection of 101 simple but powerful life lessons. Each one is short, usually just 1 to 3 pages. But packed with wisdom and practical advice. It takes 2-3 minutes each Chapter to start and finish. But the lesson it teaches, is life long.
The book talks about how to:
- Handle life’s difficulties with grace
- Strengthen your character
- Develop good habits
- Live with purpose and passion
- Build meaningful relationships
- Be the best version of yourself, every single day
It doesn’t ask for big changes all at once. Instead, it gently encourages you to take one small step at a time, toward a life filled with peace, happiness, and meaning.
Why the Title – Who Will Cry When You Die?
The title, Who Will Cry When You Die?, may sound emotional at first. But the message behind it is filled with hope. It invites us to ask ourselves:
- Are we living a life that truly touches others?
- Are we giving more than we take?
- Are we growing, learning, forgiving, and loving?
One of the most touching quotes from the book says:
“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.” – Robin Sharma
It’s a beautiful reminder that the goal is not just to live long, but to live well.
12 Life Changing Lessons from the Book
Unlike complicated self-help books, this one gives us 101 short lessons. Each is like a tiny lamp, gently lighting the way when life feels confusing or dark. Let’s walk through some of these lessons, one by one.
Discover Your Calling
Robin Sharma encourages us to find what we’re truly meant to do—not just what pays the bills. Your calling isn’t always about a job title or a career. It’s about what gives your life meaning. It could be raising a family, creating art, helping others, or starting a small business that serves your community.
Many of us spend years chasing things we don’t even care about. But when you discover your calling, your days become brighter. You wake up with excitement. Life becomes less about routine and more about purpose. If you haven’t found your calling yet, don’t worry. Stay curious, explore your interests, and pay attention to what makes your heart come alive.
Practice Daily Silence
In our noisy, fast-moving world, silence has become rare. But Robin Sharma reminds us that spending a few minutes in silence every day can calm the mind and heal the heart. It’s a time to connect with yourself, to breathe deeply, and to just be.
You don’t need a fancy setup or long hours. Just five to ten minutes of quiet, either in the morning or before bed, can make a big difference. This small habit reduces stress, improves focus, and helps you respond to life more calmly.
Keep a Journal
Writing in a journal is one of the simplest ways to grow as a person. It’s not about perfect grammar or beautiful handwriting. It’s about writing down your thoughts, emotions, dreams, and struggles.
When you keep a journal, you start to understand yourself better. You see patterns, learn from your past, and make better choices. It becomes a mirror for your inner world. Even five minutes of writing a day can bring clarity and peace.
Learn to Say No
Many people suffer because they say yes to everything. They don’t want to hurt others or miss out, so they end up tired, frustrated, and stressed. Robin Sharma teaches us that saying no is not rude—it’s necessary.
You don’t need to attend every event or take every request. It’s okay to protect your energy and time. Saying no to things that don’t matter gives you the space to say yes to the things that do. Learn to say no with kindness but firmness.
Read Books Daily
Reading is like food for the soul. Even 15–30 minutes of reading a day can change your mindset, spark new ideas, and expand your world. Robin Sharma encourages everyone to make reading a daily habit.
You don’t need to read big books or difficult topics. Pick something that interests you—personal growth, biographies, novels, or spiritual wisdom. Over time, you’ll grow wiser, more confident, and more open-minded.
Do Random Acts of Kindness
A kind word, a helping hand, or a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. Sharma reminds us that small acts of kindness don’t cost much, but they carry huge power. When you give kindness freely, it comes back to you in unexpected ways.
Buy a coffee for someone. Compliment a stranger. Leave a kind note for a friend. These moments not only help others, but they also fill your own heart with joy.
Live with Simplicity
We often think more things mean more happiness. But the truth is, peace comes from simplicity. Less clutter, fewer distractions, and more space for what really matters—like love, laughter, and rest.
Living simply doesn’t mean living without joy. It means choosing quality over quantity. It means finding happiness in small things—a warm meal, a walk in nature, or a meaningful conversation.
Start Your Day Well
How you start your morning sets the tone for your entire day. Instead of rushing and scrolling through your phone, Sharma suggests beginning the day with intention—quiet time, deep breathing, reading, or light exercise.
A peaceful morning helps you face the day with clarity and strength. Even if you start with just 10 minutes, it’s a powerful way to honor yourself before the world demands your attention.
Take a Weekly Break
We live in a world that celebrates being busy. But always being busy doesn’t mean we are truly living. Robin Sharma reminds us to take a break. Rest is not laziness—it’s fuel.
Set aside one day or even a few hours a week to relax, recharge, and enjoy life. Go for a walk, listen to music, play with your children, or just do nothing. You’ll come back with more energy and a fresh perspective.
Learn from Children
Children laugh easily, forgive quickly, and live in the moment. Sharma encourages us to learn from them. Don’t lose your sense of wonder. Play, explore, and enjoy the little things. Sometimes, we take life too seriously. We forget that joy is a choice. Watch how children enjoy the present—and try to bring some of that lightness into your own life.
Forgive and Let Go
Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Sharma teaches that forgiveness is not for the other person—it’s for your peace of mind. When you let go of grudges, you create space for healing.
Forgive not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace. Let go and move forward.
Honour Your Word
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. When you say you’ll do something, do it. If you can’t, be honest. Robin Sharma says that keeping your promises—even small ones—builds character and respect.
When people know they can trust your word, they’ll respect you more. More importantly, you’ll start respecting yourself.
Chapters That Truly Touched My Heart
Some of my favorite topics from the book include:
- Forgiveness and letting go
- How to develop your hidden talents
- Setting serious and clear goals
- Connecting deeply with nature
- Learning from your past to build your future
Who Should Read This Book?
- People struggling with stress or lack of direction
- Young adults finding their purpose
- Anyone who wants to grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
- Those new to self-help or personal development
It’s for every human being—because all of us are searching for a meaningful, peaceful life.
Who Will Cry When You Die Is A Gentle Wake-Up Call
Reading Who Will Cry When You Die? is like sitting with an old friend who gently says, “You’re not alone. Life is tough sometimes, but you can make it beautiful.”
It teaches us to:
- Be kind, even when it’s hard
- Stay calm, even when life tests you
- Keep learning, even when you feel stuck
- And above all, love deeply and live fully
This book may not change your life overnight. But it will open your heart, shift your mindset, and plant the seeds of change.
So next time you’re tired, confused, or simply looking for peace, open this book. Read one chapter. Let it sink in. And ask yourself the question that started it all:
“Who will cry when I die?” If your answer makes you pause and reflect, that’s where true growth begins.
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