Nuggets of Wisdom from George Carlin

TGIF, everyone! Yes, Thanks to God It's Friday again! I don't know about you, folks, but I am looking forward to a wonderful, relaxing weekend. I'm very sure you, guys, too. Thank you, Lord, Almighty Father, we're alive and doing well! Thank you, Jesus, and to all of you, peace-loving people! May God bless us always!

I heard the name George Carlin before, years ago, but I didn't pay much attention about him that time. Now, this calm, sunny and warm Friday morning while I was rummaging through my files, in our (Master's) bedroom, I came across some papers stuck in one of my yellow folders. Curious that I was, I found out they're e-mails that I randomly received when I was still active in the U.S. Naval Service doing education training for our staff-personnel and healthcare beneficiaries. I'm glad that I printed out some of my e-mails that dated back since 2004. I've no idea why I saved or kept them. But wait, I know why I kept some of them. They're inspiring, entertaining and enlightening to me, I guess. One of them is this e-mail from a certain Rex Barker who "would like to share a wonderful message by George Carlin." As I was re-reading it, I thought it's good to share with you all, too. After all, it's inspiring and has truth in it, though.

(As I'm writing this post, I am also doing research about George Carlin. Per Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia online, we learn from the first paragraph of his biography that George Denis Patrick Carlin (May 12, 1937-June 22, 2008) was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, satirist, actor and writer/author who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums. Noted for his black humor, as well as his thoughts on politics, the English language, psychology, religion (he was raised a Catholic), and various taboo subjects, Carlin was posthumously awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2008.)

Let's take a look or watch (but caution: the performer uses the F-word frequently!) one of George Carlin's stand-up comedy act performances. Isn't he funny and entertaining? (Note: I don't own the videos embedded with my blog post here. No copyright infringement intended. Thanks YouTube and the uploader of the videos used here.)

Now, per that e-mail from Rex Barker, here's the wonderful thoughts or "words of wisdom" from the late George Carlin. I believe these were lifted from one of Carlin's books or from his stand-up performances:

"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 degree but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgement; 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 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 our 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 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 spouse 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."

There you go, my friends. I hope you had time off to chill out and laugh at your worries away, while watching Mr. Carlin's. Again, I thank you, YouTube and the uploader/s of the videos here.

Well, as Mark Twain wrote: "Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place."

Until next time around. Take care and Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Peace be with you all!-chris a. quilpa, 13July2012