The following is some perspective from George Carlin of all people, written shortly after his wife passed away. Yes it's long but so profound and worth sharing.
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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.
-George
Carlin