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 legally sell deadly processed tobacco and alcohol, and possession of a harmless natural herb is a felony. 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 spouse 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.
[George Carlin]
