Words from George Carlin

[Moneyguy1]

Who knew old George could be so eloquent?

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 judgement, 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 food 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 the 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 where 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 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.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Excellent quote.

My favorite of his is:
"Think for a moment about how stupid the average person is. Then think - half of them are even stupider than THAT!!!"

(frightening thought).

[Overpaid Slacker]

Wow. I normally don't go in for the treacly nostalgia stuff, but that was well written.

JP

[azasadny]

George Carllin did not write this, although it has been attributed to him. Check out Snopes.com for the details.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/paradox.asp

[Hugh R]

I can't believe its not Butter! "Whow, what a great name for a brand of rat poison... Hey!, we told you it wasn't butter". -George Carlin

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Carlin is actually quite brilliant if you read any of his books, you'll understand what I mean.

First and foremost the guy IS a comedian, but his observations about society are dead-on 99% of the time.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Fine and dandy.

[Shuie]

this thread 'takes the cake'

[nostatic]

here's what George has to say:

"PARADOX OF OUR TIME"
One of the more embarrassing items making the internet/e-mail rounds is a sappy load of **** called "The Paradox of Our Time." The main problem I have with it is that as true as some of the expressed sentiments may be, who really gives a ****? Certainly not me.

I figured out years ago that the human species is totally ****ed and has been for a long time. I also know that the sick, media-consumer culture in America continues to make this so-called problem worse. But the trick, folks, is not to give a ****. Like me. I really don't care. I stopped worrying about all this temporal bull**** a long time ago. It's meaningless. (See the preface of "Braindroppings.")

Another problem I have with "Paradox" is that the ideas are all expressed in a sort of pseudo-spiritual, New-Age-y, "Gee-whiz-can't-we-do-better-than-this" tone of voice. It's not only bad prose and poetry, it's weak philosophy. I hope I never sound like that.

[CamB]

I have seen the original and Carlin's response before.

I admired the response much more than the sappy crap. I could almost hear the "I need to win an Oscar" musak while reading it.

[silver912e]

My Carlin favorite is:

"Our species is circling the drain"