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.
It is 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 gain.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and 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.
Posted by Roy Frisby (Member # 736) on :
So very true. Thanks for sharing, OP
Posted by PKing (Member # 337) on :
Thanks Joe
[ October 02, 2003, 07:59 AM: Message edited by: PKing ]
Posted by David Wright (Member # 111) on :
Nice, but are you sure George Carlin wrote it?
Posted by Steve Nuttle (Member # 2645) on :
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
thanks,OP.
Spring of 2002, my dear friend treated me to George Carlin at the Palace theater in Columbus, Ohio. What an experience, as he brought us from laughter to tears of laughter, with the sanity of this excerpt woven into the climax of the show. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.
[ October 02, 2003, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: Deb Fowler ]
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
Deuteronomy chapter 28, verse 15.
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Did he write this before or after that snort of cocaine? Hahahaha....just teasin'.
Posted by Signs By Sam (Member # 425) on :
So true, Thanks for taking the time to post it Joe.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Thanks OP.
Been Carlin fan for years. Ya gotta love a guy who points out that when you split a crumb in half, you don't have 2 half crumbs, you have 2 crumbs.
Rapid
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
I got that e-mail a few weeks ago(and saved it) ... you missed a big chunk of it (to continue the same writing where you left off)..........
quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends.. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. " An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. >
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people.... who cares? -George Carlin
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