Minister, author, and former pastor of Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, Washington, Dr. Moorehead wrote the following in 1990 and was later published in 1995 in his book WORDS APTLY SPOKEN. The piece is sometimes mistakenly and incorrectly credited to the late George Carlin.
The Paradox of our Time - by Dr. Moorehead
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 it 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, but 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 too quickly, stay up too late, get
up too tired,
read too little, watch TV too much, play on the computer too much and pray much 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 the new neighbor.
We've 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 split 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 have less communication.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; tall
men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of almost world peace with few exceptions, but domestic warfare on many fronts;
We have more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses,
but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away
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 show 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.