Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Observations

No medical news to speak of - my PET scan is scheduled for 30 June - not looking forward to it! In order to establish that I've not yet shuffled off, and to keep my blog alive too, here's something to which the husband (anyjazz) drew my attention recently. The late George Carlin was a superb wordsmith, this is a good example of his skills and insights.

SOMETHING TO PONDER:
Observations 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.
George Carlin

5 comments:

Wisewebwoman said...

I remember this piece, often attributed to others. I was at one of his last performances in Toronto and it was awful. He came out angry and petulant about some kind of treatment back stage.

We thought it was part of his act for a while, even though it was terribly unpleasant but it turns out it had put him "off his game" and we were left with the bitter aftertaste of him fumbling and rambling.

I had been a forever fan since his LP days (remember those?) so was quite crushed. We debated demanding a refund but took the loss.

XO
WWW

Anonymous said...

Reminiscent of Erma Bombeck. Big virtual hug to you.

Twilight said...

Wisewebwoman ~ Yes, I can imagine that! We saw him perform in Oklahoma City during my first few years here, and there was something similar to what you describe during that performance too - I think it was some harsh words with someone in the audience. Perhaps he did it to keep people talking about it/him - for look at we two, so many years on, still doing so! :) In general, though, he did become rather grim during his later years - something we often remarked on ourselves. Such a pity because in his earlier years he was brilliant.

Twilight said...

Anonymous ~ Yes, there were a few people back then who had the knack of writing it "just right". Thank you for the virtual hug - that was nice! :)

R J Adams said...

One of the greats! Sadly missed. I think we all get a bit more irascible as we get older. Well, apart from yours truly, of course! ;-)