"Sympathetic contempt" from the master of thoughtful comedy
Carlin: "I am a personal optimist but a skeptic about all else. What may sound like anger is really nothing more than sympathetic contempt. I view my species with a combination of wonder and pity, and I root for its destruction. And please don't confuse my point of view with cynicism; the real cynics are the ones who tell you everything's gonna be all right."
I highly recommend this hilarious book. It won't just make you laugh, however. It is also filled with thought-provoking ideas and observations.
Yeah, George was funny but it was his honesty and intelligence that made him special. No one was better at following up a fart joke with a stabbing insight about how twisted our perceptions of reality are. He skewered our empty icons. He revealed the evil within those who abuse their power at the public's expense. He also rightly condemned all of us for putting up with so much ignorance and insanity.
George Carlin was easily one of the greatest comedians of all time, the best in my opinion. Apart from Richard Pryor, I can't even think of anyone who comes close to his talent, relevance and longevity.
But Carlin wasn't really a comedian. He was more than that. He was a philosopher in the truest sense. He challenged us to think. He challenged us to see beyond the fog of cultural lies. And, despite his "I don't care" image, George Carlin challenged us to care.
I would say, "rest in peace, George." But he would think that is so trite, meaningless and lame, so I won't.
--Guy P. Harrison, author of
Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know About Our Biological Diversity
and
50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
A few lines from Carlin's book, Brain Droppings
I like sports because I enjoy knowing that many of these macho athletes have to vomit before a big game. Any guy who takes a job where you gotta puke first is my kind of guy.
Some see the glass as half-empty, some see the glass as half-full. I see the glass as too big.
If you love someone, set them free; if they come home, set them on fire.
Some favorite oxymorons:
assistant supervisor
new tradition
original copy
plastic glass
uninvited guest
Most people are not particularly good at anything.
Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music.
I never eat sushi. I have trouble eating things that are merely unconscious.
The only good thing to come out of religion was the music.
There ought to be at least one round state.
In comic strips the person on the left always speaks first.
Why can't there be more suffering?
Unnecessary Words
There is a tendency these days to complicate speech by adding unnecessary words.
The following phrases all contain at least one word too many.
emergency situation
fear factor
peace process
shower activity
free of charge
intensity level
surgical procedure
knowledge base
belief system
boarding process
forest setting
seating area
floatation device
beverage items
sting operation
hospital environment
prison setting
facial area
Where does the Dentist go when he leaves the room?
I almost don't feel the way I do.
There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.
Human beings are kind of interesting from birth until they reach the age of a year and a half. Then they are boring until they reach fifty. By that time they're either completely defeated and f***ed up, which makes them interesting again, or they've learned how to beat the game, and that makes them interesting too.
The bigger they are, the worse they smell.
No one can ever know for sure what a deserted area looks like.
Baseball is the only major sport that appears backwards in a mirror.
Some favorite redundancies:
added bonus
total abstinance
young children
exactly right
subject matter
revert back
true fact
honest truth
sum total
join together
ferryboat
free gift
general public
bare naked
unique individual
new initiative
end result
--Guy P. Harrison, author of
Race and Reality: What Everyone Should Know About Our Biological Diversity
and
50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God
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Em Enn
Super fast and quality shipping. Will buy from again…
Reviewed in Canada on November 21, 2022
Ryan Crowley
A Whole Stand-Up Comedy Show...in a Book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2015
