Although George Carlin has been credited with the following passage, apparently he did not write this. However, whoever did write it, I think, hit the nail on the head, and it may just help us take a moment to slow down and think about the message. Hats off to whoever did write these words of wisdom.
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 in many ways have less; we buy more but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degress, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; more experts, yet more problems; more medicines 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 too tired, read too little, watch too much television, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too easily.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to live, but not life to years. We’ve been to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We’ve conquered outer space, but not our inner space.
We’ve done large things, but not always better things. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejiduce. 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 store more information, we produce more copies, but communicate less.
These are times of fast food and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profit but shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes, but more divorces, fancier houses and broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality and one night stands. Overweight bodies and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet to kill.
Remember, spend some time with loved ones, as they will not be around for ever. Remember to say a kind word to someone to looks at you with awe, because that little person will soon grow up and leave your side. Remember to give warm hugs. Remember to say “I Love You” to your partner and loved ones, but most of all, mean it!
Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind!