The Paradox of Our Time

A beautiful piece by George Carlin...

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter temper; wider freeways, but shorter viewpoints; we spend more, but have less. We have bigger houses but 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, 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, but 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 prejudice; we write more but learn less; we’ve learned to rush but not to wait. We’ve built more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are times of fast food 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, throw-away morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill. It is a time where there is much in the show window and nothing in the stock room.

Remember, spend more 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 soon that little person 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 that 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, give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind...

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.