George Carlin’s wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin – comedian of the 70’s and 80’s – could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation by George Carlin:
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 to 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.
And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often.
LikeLike
Thank you Danny!!
LikeLike
George was my all time favorite. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
You’re welcome.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Lasting Joy Club and commented:
On the Eve of Rosh Hashana, when we hope and pray for a sweet year, full of blessings, I want to share with you, Beautiful People, an incredible insight penned by the late and great George Carlin, quoted by a fantastic blogger, the Fierce, Fabulous, and Funny Velma. Shana Tova u’Metuka – a Zis Yohr!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for Re-blogging my post. You’re correct. George Carlin’s insight is just too incredible not to share with others. Thank you thank you thank you 🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, darling!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😇
LikeLiked by 1 person
😻
LikeLike
I am very glad to have discovered you – a fighter, a survivor, and a fantastic writer. Thank you for this important post; I am sharing it with my readers. Keep on fighting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your words. You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure and practically an obligation to share these words! I don’t spread compliments lightly; I am sincere in my appreciation of your fighting spirit and your work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Omg thank you for this. Honestly I have found myself struggling emotionally lately. Receiving your encouragement gave me s boost to keep fighting. Thank you for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope that you find a little time to browse through our https://lastingjoyclub.wordpress.com site, and I hope it will be helpful to you in your struggle. Feel free to reach out to me privately via e-mail or Skype!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will. Thank you. I followed you food blog but didn’t realize you have another one. I’ll check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, darling, and anything I can do to help – I am here for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to Reblog this item on my blog “Down the Hall on Your Left.”
johnkraft.wordpress.com
I would like to run it om 10/8/18
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok please share my page though. Thank you
LikeLike
Will do…with pleasure.
I’m an old San Franciscan – 25 years worth before moving to the Midwest.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!! Thank you so much.
LikeLike
Pingback: Reblog: From FIERCEFABULOUSFUNNY – Velma Dunkin | Down the Hall on Your Left
Reblogged this on A Teacher's Reflections and commented:
George Carlin, who was a terrific comedian, sums up life and who we are – beautifully. Powerful words, spot on wisdom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! A must reblog for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome!
LikeLike
Wow. So poignant and beautiful. The last line brought tears to my eyes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
I love George Carlin but I hadn’t realised he was capable of quite such insight and sensitivity. Thank you so much Velma for sharing this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you too. Yes I was surprised too however his words of wisdom really touch the soul. Thank you for sharing
LikeLike
The full weight of felt experience here. Nice idea for a post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Karen Dowdall and commented:
Velma, yes, it is beautiful, and incredibly true. Thank you so much for sharing! Karen reblogging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I’m happy it touched you as much as it touched me. Thank you for Re-blogging
LikeLike
I’m not sure George Carlin made it across the Pond – maybe he did – but there’s a lot of wisdom in that piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carlin not only did not author “Paradox”, but he vehemently disapproved of it’s philosophy and of it being attributed to him.
Here’s a link to an archived page of his own website where he discussed it.
http://web.archive.org/web/20111116025420/http://www.georgecarlin.com/home/dontblame.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I appreciate your clarity. However whether George Carlin said this or not it’s the message that’s important. Too bad the proper person isn’t credited
LikeLike