The following was written by George Carlin.
It has nothing to do with alt.support.tinnitus or sci.med.cardiology. And it has everything to do
with alt.support.tinnitus and sci.med.cardiology.
smn
..............................
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, over-weight
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.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and
height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain
idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire
life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets,
keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is
beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but
NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
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