The Paradox of Our Time
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
More quotes (updated 15/7/2025)