bridgesburning

Thoughts- may be Profound, Mundane and perhaps laced with a bit of Wit

George Carlin: Something to Ponder

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Why? You must be asking yourself does this woman have so much to say today?  Two Posts on WP?

These are not my words.  They were posted on my FaceBook and I have always thought George Carlin was more philosopher than comedian so am bringing this to you on his behalf!

Pondering

Pondering

SOMETHING TO PONDER: George Carlin

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.

George Carlin

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Author: Bridgesburning Chris King

It's been an interesting time adjusting to 'retirement' after a long career in nursing. Forty odd years actually and the challenge has been to try and figure out who I am. It seems that for the largest part of my life I have defined myself as a nurse. More so than a mother, wife etc - you know all those tags we hang on ourselves and for what reason? I am still learning, still searching, and still evolving I guess. At first it all seemed a little confusing, trying to sort out the what and the who and the like. Now it has become a great adventure. I have so many wonderful models that I have met here on Wordpress. It is amazing how close you can feel to those who brave the pages each day or week or month to share a little of themselves.

21 thoughts on “George Carlin: Something to Ponder

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  4. This was an Excellent writing by him thank you for sharing I happened to have caught the piece that he wrote on voting and that was also a very inspiring piece,. Did not necessarily agree with all of it but it made you think.

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  11. Nice words, but George Carlin did not write this, it’s an essay called “The paradox of our time” by someone called Bob Moorehead. An outspoken atheist, Carlin would never have urged anyone to pray more often.

    If you think that doesn’t matter, I’d say its important to make sure the right words are attributed to the right people. Carlin hated being thought of as the author of these words, while Bob Moorehead deserves credit for them.

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

    • Thanks so much for letting me know Tim and I will repost your comment for everyone, at least everyone who reads this to correct the information. Credit where credit is due as any of us who has occasional original thoughts would appreciate. I’ve seen George several times live and yes he was an atheist, proudly, and I think I got so caught up with the message that I neglected to consider the source. Chris

      • My pleasure Chris. Your follow up post made me smile :)

        It is a great essay though, and well worth reposting. I’m quite envious that you got to see George live, because I never did.

        Have a great 2013!

        Tim

  12. George was an amazing man, and those wise words he wrote are words that get under your skin because they are so true. I could listen to his voice for hours on end.
    ‘Things to Ponder’ should be on view in every school and university for all to see and ponder over to make youngsters think about what really matters in life.
    Wonderful post, Chris.

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  14. This is my favourite of his! Always gives you much to ponder. Times are strange indeed and yet, love and kindness, continue to be what matters.

  15. Incredible things to ponder. Always loved George.

  16. Very Good. Can’t really add anything to that!!! Thanks.

  17. Amazing words. I have never really had much to do with Carlin. Must go back and find out more. Thanks, Chris.

  18. It doesn’t matter how many times I read/hear this, I love it. He was an amazing person! Thanks for sharing.

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