the paradox of our times

[Guest guest]

GEORGE CARLIN

 

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's -

could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate?

 

A Message by George Carlin:

 

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings

but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We

spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have

bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less

time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less

judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less

wellness.

 

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too

little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too

tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

 

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk

too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

 

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added

years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon

and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new

neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done

larger things, but not better things.

 

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the

atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan

more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.

We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more

copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

 

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and

small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are

the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken

homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway

morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do

everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

 

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing

in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to

you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or

to just hit delete...

 

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not

going to be around forever.

 

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,

because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

 

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is

the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a

cent.

 

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones,

but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when

it comes from deep inside of you.

 

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that

person will not be there again.

 

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the

precious thoughts in your mind.

 

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the

moments that take our breath away.

 

George Carlin