We’ve built platforms to connect — and used them to isolate.
We share everything — except compassion.
We’ve made our voices louder — but our words smaller.
We have endless opinions — but shrinking empathy.
We scroll for hours — and still miss what matters.

We call it “calling out” — but forget to call people in.
We’ve mastered sarcasm — but forgotten sincerity.
We raise awareness — but lower one another.
We’ve learned to shame quickly — and listen slowly.
We expose flaws — and cover our own.

We teach kids to be kind — then model cruelty in comment sections.
We celebrate uniqueness — until it threatens our comfort.
We tell people to speak up — then mock their voices.
We’ve conquered distance — but not division.
We’ve built global networks — but lost the thread of humanity.

We put others down — to lift nothing up.
We bully with keyboards — and hide behind screens.
We demand authenticity — then punish it.
We crave connection — but cancel conversation.
We have the tools to build bridges — and keep throwing stones.

It is a time of louder mouths and quieter hearts.
Of open networks and closed minds.
Of growing reach and shrinking grace.

So take a breath before the next insult.
Look someone in the eye instead of judging from a distance.
Offer dignity instead of dominance.
Be the pause in a world that rushes to react.
Be the hand that helps — not the finger that points.

Remember:
To listen before you label.
To stand up for someone who’s being torn down.
To leave kindness in places no one expects to find it.

And if you’ve got nothing kind to say — maybe say nothing at all.
Because your silence might be the first peace someone’s had all day.

And remember,
A kind word costs nothing.
A gentle gesture can save a life.
And a little decency — goes a long, long way.

Created by Shameproofing. Inspired by the structure of “The Paradox of Our Time,” originally written by Dr. Bob Moorehead, and later misattributed to George Carlin.