Of Paradoxes, Ironies and Oxymora

In an earlier post I suggested that I would look up the origin of the word Oxymoron, because it contained the word "moron." So hear's the scoop!  "Oxy" comes from the Greek word for "sharp" and "moron" comes from the Greek word for "dull." Put them together and you have "sharp/dull" or words of opposite meaning, such as - bittersweet, deafening silence, jumbo shrimp - you get the idea. Please post any you have come across.

Paradoxes are larger oxymora (the plural of oxymoron), such as "Less is More" or "More is Less" and from an earlier post "In my end is my beginning" or "In my beginning is my end."

Ironies are large events or states that seem to be in contrast, such as the concept of being in a huge crowd but being alone, or having a lot of money, but not really having anything of value. I am going to repost here a post from the comedian George Carlin on the many paradoxes that form the irony of our "advanced" civilization.

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 judgement;
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,
throw-away 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 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  share this insight, or to just hit delete.

My children and their cousin

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.
 
Give time to Love, give time to speak, give time to
share the precious thoughts in your mind.

I think that this message is worth contemplating from time to time, just as a way of slowing down and asking ourselves, "What's it all about?" and to quote from a wise neighbour - "The days are long, but the years are short!!   

Family Christmas 2011

I took pictures of pictures already in a frame. I think that they suggest fading memories. Good to have, but better to have the real thing, if you can for as long as you can!!

Have a thoughtful day!!