Insights from George Carlin

People change. There's no better example of this than George Carlin, who became known a generation ago for his vulgar humor, but has since evolved into an astute observer whose writings can be shared with people of all ages and tastes.

"Isn't it amazing," says Gary Rust, chairman of Rust Communications, "that Carlin, the gross and mouthy comedian of the 1970s and 1980s, could write something so very eloquent and so very appropriate post 9-11."

Read on for Carlin's insights about life: "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, 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 have 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.

"These are 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. It's 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 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 those dear to you, but most of all mean it. 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."