George Carlin's wife recently passed away. He wrote the
following piece. Typically sharp and some good advice.
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.
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