どんなに豊かになっても忘れたくないことがあります。ジョージ・カーリンのメッセージにシンプルだけどとっても深い意味が込められています。

ものごとを便利に複雑にすればするほどに見失うことが多いのでしょうね

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,
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.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

＜Remenberからの日本語訳＞

忘れないでほしい
すぐそばにいる人を抱きしめることを
それはあなたが与えることができる唯一の宝であり、
一銭もかからないのだから

忘れないでほしい
あなたのパートナーや愛する者に
心を込めて「愛している」と言うことを

あなたの心からのキスと抱擁は
傷をいやしてくれるだろう

忘れないでほしい
もう逢えないかもしれない人の手を握り
その時間を慈しむことを

愛するために時間を与え、話すために時間を与えなさい
あなたの心の中にあるかけがえのない思いを分かち合うのだ

そしていつも心に留めておいて：

人生はどれだけ呼吸をし続けるかで決まるのではない
どれだけ心のふるえる瞬間があるかだ

285/1000