The Paradox Of Our Age

“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degree 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 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 our soul. We’ve conquered atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’velearned 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 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 to 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 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.”

Fundamental Realization

Profound lines indeed. Whilst, what lesson or lessons can we draw from the “Paradox of Our Age”?

One fundamental realization comes to mind: More than the amenities, technological and scientific advancement, monetary success, conveniences and luxuries of modern-day living, we should NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF WHO WE TRULY ARE, OUR LIFE’S PURPOSE, and the ESSENTIALS OF LIFE, which, among others, are:

1. We are all created equal as a human being, neither just a “human having” nor a “human doing” – a being from one and the same God, aa being with dignity and purpose, a being with physical body and spiritual soul, a being for self and for others, and a being who is worthy of a meaningful and satisfying life.
2. 
   Our character is far more important than our achievements and degrees.
3. 
   Our relationship with our significant others (and God, of course) is as precious as our health.
4. 
   We were created not just to work or have a job but to help one another – which is actually our life purpose.
5. 
   Our family and home are of utmost importance.
6. 
   The basic essentials that we need in life are enough than the luxuries that we value.
7. 
   We’re all in the same boat called “Earth” and, hence, we should care for it.

How Much We Loved

These “essentials” are not just physical but metaphysical realities. And, as pointed out by Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s “The Little Prince”, these essentials are not visible to the eyes but are beholden or felt by the heart, where true happiness resides.

After all, as it has been said, “At the end of life, what really matters most is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got, but what we gave; not our social status, but our character; not our success, but our significance; not how much we have acquired and achieved, but how much we have loved.”

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