I just got this inspiring e-mail, written by George Carlin! Enjoy.

[a_random_joel]

Written by the comedian George Carlin
>
> GEORGE CARLIN POST 9-11 (His wife recently died...)
> Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and
> mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write
> something so very eloquent ...and so very
> appropriate post 9-11.

> A wonderful Message 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, 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.
> If you don't send this to at least 8 people....
> who cares?
> -George Carlin

[Akbar]

1. That's Not By George Carlin

George Carlin's Web Site

[THUNDER HANDS]

2. do you think he really wrote this?

Part of my says yes, but the part about us praying less doesn't seem like something Carlin would actaully say.

:shrug:

[monobrau]

3. Please

It's not by Carlin; it's another well-documted hoax.

"George Carlin very emphatically denied he had had anything to do with "Paradox," a piece he referred to as "a sappy load of shit," and posted his comments about being associated with this essay on his own web site. "

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

[ixion]

4. great letter...

reminds me a bit of "Everything I need to know I learned in Kindergarten".

[a_random_joel]

5. Oh well, I still thought it was touching

sappy or not. There seemed to be some DUers I thought might get a lift out of it.

I consider myself a big Carlin fan, and it did not seem impossible for him to write something like this.

[TXlib]

6. The first paragraph sounds a bit like Carlin

The rest gets too sappy for him.