SOMETHING TO PONDER: George Carlin

[CuteOldGuy]

George Carlin's wife died early in 2008 and George followed her, dying in July 2008. It is ironic George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate. An observation 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.

I miss you George!

[zerodahero]

George was a brilliant man. That's why he was so funny.

[pyramider]

This from Brain Droppings?

[JohnnyCap]

George performed comedy from 1959 into the 1990s. He was so smart it occaisionally ate into his comedy. Bit of a troublemaker who definitely had some balls on him. I consider myself lucky to have seen him perform live.

[Guest032516]

That doesn't sound like anything George Carlin would ever write.

Far too saccharin for him. There is none of his biting sarcasm.

[CuteOldGuy]

Actually, I heard him perform that on, I think it was, the old Johnny Carson show. May have been Leno, but I think it was Johnny.

[Guest032516]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

Actually, I heard him perform that on, I think it was, the old Johnny Carson show. May have been Leno, but I think it was Johnny.

I'm assuming you didn't post it from memory.

Post the link from where ever you copied it.

[CuteOldGuy]

Well, I wasn't going to respond, but I decided "What the hell?" I copied it from a George Carlin fan Facebook page. But I researched it further, and guess what, ExNYer?

YOU ARE RIGHT!

These weren't Carlin's words. They are still good words, but not Carlin's.

I did hear him on Carson or Leno reciting something similar, but I agree, this was probably not it.

DID YOU HEAR ME, ExNYer?

I WAS WRONG, YOU WERE RIGHT!

And I admit it. Well played. Very well played.

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

[JD Barleycorn]

I caught George Carlin and Jim Carrey live in New London, CT. Guess which one I remember enjoying? The only joke that fell flat in that military crowd was when he tried to verbally impeach Ronald Reagan.

[pyramider]

Carlin performed at Bass Hall in Ft Worth back in 2004. He had been ill and apologized for having to blow his nose on stage, it was a good show but it was kind of sad. He was always brilliant but in 2004 one could see his mind was have a difficult time dealing with his body's decay.

[JCM800]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

DID YOU HEAR ME, ExNYer?

I WAS WRONG, YOU WERE RIGHT!

And I admit it. Well played. Very well played.

you should add this to your sig line exnyer

[Whirlaway]

That Carlin didn't pen that opine is well known; it has been proven urban myth for over a decade.

[CuteOldGuy]

Thanks for the support, Whirly. LOL!

[Guest032516]

Originally Posted by JCM800

you should add this to your sig line exnyer

And then add: "it wasn't the first time. It won't be the last."

[CuteOldGuy]

And that is true, ExNYer. I've admitted before when I've been wrong, and if I'm wrong again, I'll admit!