George Carlin

 

George Carlin (1937–2008) was a groundbreaking comedian, social critic, and satirist known for his irreverent humor, sharp observations, and fearless critique of societal norms, politics, and religion. George's style was defined by his unapologetic approach to taboo subjects, his masterful use of language, and his ability to make audiences both laugh and think deeply about the world around them.

 

George’s comedy evolved as he became more interested in exploring taboo topics, questioning authority, and critiquing the hypocrisy of society. His early comedy included more traditional "clean" jokes, but in the 1970s, George became associated with a new wave of stand-up that challenged societal norms. His 1972 album Class Clown and the 1973 album Occupational Hazards contained material that was both politically charged and darker in tone. His comedic genius really began to shine in the 1970s and 1980s, as he began addressing issues like language, free speech, and the absurdities of the political system. The landmark moment of his career came in 1972 with his routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television." The routine was controversial for its use of profanity and became the center of a Supreme Court case in 1978, FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, which addressed the limits of free speech on public airwaves. The case didn't censor George's comedy but set a precedent for how "indecent" speech could be regulated in public broadcasting.

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George’s humor was often centered on his deep skepticism toward government, corporate power, religion, and the media. He believed that society was "dumbed down" and manipulated by powerful institutions, and his comedy reflected that distrust. He was an advocate for individual freedom and personal responsibility, and his work was full of scathing critiques of how society had accepted and normalized absurdities. He challenged audiences to think critically about the status quo.

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George’s career spanned several decades, and his influence can still be seen in stand-up comedy today. His notable works include:

• "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" (1972): The routine that led to the famous Supreme Court case, this marked a pivotal moment in the conversation about free speech in comedy.

• "Class Clown" (1972): His breakout album, which featured many of his early routines.

• "Brain Droppings" (1997): A bestselling book where Carlin shared his comedic musings on everything from religion to the absurdities of modern life.

• "Napalm & Silly Putty" (2001): Another collection of Carlin's irreverent thoughts, including his critiques of politics and language.

• HBO Specials: His HBO specials, which aired over 14 years, solidified his place as one of the most influential comedians of all time. Some of his most popular ones include "George Carlin: Complaints and Grievances" (2001), "George Carlin: Life Is Worth Losing" (2005), and "George Carlin: It's Bad For Ya" (2008).

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Quotes by George Carlin:

• I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, ‘Where’s the self-help section?’ She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

• Most people with low self-esteem have earned it.

• Never argue with an idiot. They will only bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

• Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything.

• Life gets really simple once you cut out all the bull shit they teach you in school.

• The owners of this country know the truth: It’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.

• I don't like ass kissers, flag wavers or team players. I like people who buck the system. Individualists. I often warn people: "Somewhere along the way, someone is going to tell you, 'There is no "I" in team.' What you should tell them is, 'Maybe not. But there is an "I" in independence, individuality and integrity.'" Avoid teams at all cost. Keep your circle small. Never join a group that has a name. If they say, "We're the So-and-Sos," take a walk. And if, somehow, you must join, if it's unavoidable, such as a union or a trade association, go ahead and join. But don't participate; it will be your death. And if they tell you you're not a team player, congratulate them on being observant.

• Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

• If you have selfish, ignorant citizens, you’re going to have selfish, ignorant leaders.

• A flag is supposed to represent everything that a country does. It doesn’t only represent the good things. If you burn the flag, you’re burning the flag for what you perceive to be the bad things the country has done. it’s only a symbol. It’s only a piece of cloth.

• Political correctness is fascism pretending to be manners.

• Careful, if you think too much, they’ll take you away.

• A good motto to live by: ‘Always try not to get killed.'

• Governments don’t want a population capable of critical thinking, they want obedient workers, people just smart enough to run the machines and just dumb enough to passively accept their situation. You have no choice. You have owners. They own you. They own everything. They own all the important land. They own, and control the corporations. They’ve long since bought, and paid for the Senate, the Congress, the State houses, the city halls, they got the judges in their back pockets and they own all the big media companies, so they control just about all of the news and information you get to hear.

• Keep in mind, the news media are not independent; they are a sort of bulletin board and public relations firm for the ruling class-the people who run things. Those who decide what news you will or will not hear are paid by, and tolerated purely at the whim of, those who hold economic power. If the parent corporation doesn’t want you to know something, it won’t be on the news. Period. Or, at the very least, it will be slanted to suit them, and then rarely followed up.

• War is rich old men protecting their property by sending middle-class and lower-class men off to die.

• Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.

• The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments in a courthouse: You cannot post “Thou shalt not steal,” “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and “Thou shalt not lie” in a building full of lawyers, judges, and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.

• How can [God] be perfect? Everything He ever makes dies.

• Tell people there’s an invisible man in the sky who created the universe, and the vast majority will believe you. Tell them the paint is wet, and they have to touch it to be sure.

• Religion has actually convinced people that there's an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever 'til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He's all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can't handle money!

• Don’t give your money to the church. They should be giving their money to you.

• Religion is like a pair of shoes: Find one that fits for you, but don’t make me wear your shoes.

• I have as much authority as the Pope. I just don’t have as many people who believe it.

• Religion is just mind control.

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