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The Paradox of Life Today
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.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath away. -- Written by George Carlin, post-9/11 and
his wife's death, as posted in Phil Konstantin's newsletter
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