Makes you think some.

[paul anderson]

“This is the paradox of our times.
We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers
Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints
We spend more, but we have less.
We have bigger houses, but 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 medicines, but less wellness.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often
We have learnt how to make a living, but not a life.
We have added years to life, but 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 have conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted our soul.
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We've higher incomes, but lower morals.
We've become long on quantity but short on quality.
These are the times of tall men, and short character;
Steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare,
More leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are the days of two incomes, but more divorces;
Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
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 change... or just hit, delete.”

[Barefoot Boat Bums]

I like. So true, makes you really think about what is important and 'more' doesn't make you happy.

[john james]

Charlie be careful big brother is listening try reading:the dog stars" by Peter Heller you will love it

Charlie said:

the only thing that really bugs me paul, is the way we are trashing this planet.  i think this world actually needs, a disease that kills off 9 in 10 people. or even more.... :-(

[Bob Bois]

OK I'll second John's recommendation: The Dog Stars is a great novel.

john james said:

Charlie be careful big brother is listening try reading:the dog stars" by Peter Heller you will love it

Charlie said:

the only thing that really bugs me paul, is the way we are trashing this planet.  i think this world actually needs, a disease that kills off 9 in 10 people. or even more.... :-(

 

 

[curt goodnight]

nice discussion- good reads .    A current enviro's response has been to acknowledge that there IS deep seated failure and he now chooses to watch.... .http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/20/magazine/its-the-end-of-the-world...

a bit like the old Zen stories where , caught hanging from the slowly breaking branch- tigers below and murderers above- the Master catches sight of a delicious strawberry .  and, of course, enjoys it....

me? i am building a catamaran in the wilds of a high mountain desert...  and planting trees.

[Shaun]

Hey there Paul,

I think that going back to your quote about salt helping damn near everything could be over laid to this paradox and a lot could go in a different, better way.

Cheers,
Shaun