The Paradox of Life

@1grnthmb (2055)
United States
July 2, 2008 10:59am CST
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. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
2 people like this
6 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I've seen this before in an e-mail and completely agree. It is sad, but true. Thanks for sharing it.
2 people like this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
3 Jul 08
My friend emailed it to me this morning and it had a strong impact on me so I thought I would share it.
1 person likes this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
2 Jul 08
This is a well written and insightful piece. I hope you published it somewhere so it gets more exposure. You're clever at finding opposites for supposed progress. A few comments_ we didn't clean up the air. _ Understanding that hugging is accepted by society as a greeting or consoling gesture, I have to mention, that despite good intentions, not everyone likes to be hugged. _The internet has opened communications, not shut them down. Everyone seems to be talking on cell phones, and e-mails help us stay together. We can't always call, but in emails we can send and recieve information. The message is always there. All your points are well taken. Do you have any positive thoughts for our decaying society?
2 people like this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
3 Jul 08
This was sent to me by my dear friend Albert. I did not write it but have thought the same for many years. Technology has both brought us closer and pushed us farther away. We set in the same room with out loved ones, Do not say anything, But message them that we love them. So how close has technology brought us in our lives?
2 people like this
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
2 Jul 08
This is a truely powerful post here-you have gone deep into the philosophy of life and frankly speaking, you have given very deep insight to serious minded myloters on life issues-thanks alot my dear friend!
2 people like this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
3 Jul 08
And Thank you for your kind words
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
9 Jul 08
Unless this is your own work in your own words, written by you, you must give credit to the author. You might need to read the guidelines as well. It's a very thought provoking piece and I've seen it often in emails sent to me.
1 person likes this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
9 Jul 08
Unfortunately it was sent to me as is. I did not write it and no author was listed. I wish that I could have written it but my mind works in a different way. It really got me thinking so I thought I would share it.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
21 Jul 08
I realise it was sent to you but you did not say that. You presented the article as is and some might think it was your own work. When I share items I receive via email or whatever, I say so. It seems to be acceptable.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Jul 08
Truer words have never been spoken. This whole post is so right on about how life has become for everyone that has access to any of the stuff mentioned.
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@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
12 Jul 08
Thank you Tannie.
1 person likes this
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
2 Jul 08
That is so true, and isn't that a sad thing to pass on to our children and grandchildren?
1 person likes this
@1grnthmb (2055)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Yes, But if you take the positive points at the bottom it rounds it all out.
2 people like this
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
3 Jul 08
Yes, but i really wish we could leave them a better world than we are.
1 person likes this