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, 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.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.
-- George Carlin
ジョージ・カーリン(George Denis Patrick Carlin、1937年5月12日 - 2008年6月22日)は、アメリカ合衆国のコメディアン。
放送禁止用語を多用して、アメリカ合衆国の政治や社会を痛烈に批判する笑いで人気を博した。また、子供向けテレビアニメーション『きかんしゃトーマス』の米国版ナレーションを、第1シーズンから第4シーズンまで担当。1990年代に放送されていた『きかんしゃトーマス』の親番組『Shining Time Station』では、リンゴ・スターに次ぐ二代目駅長として出演した。
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Living is not breathing but doing.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau