Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by Colby Droscher
George Carlin wasn’t just a comedian; he was a keen observer of society. With his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, Carlin tackled topics that many avoided. His commentary on politics, consumerism, and human behavior remains strikingly relevant. Here are 16 of his most impactful quotes that continue to challenge and inspire.
1. On the nature of life
“Some people see things that are and ask, ‘Why?’ Some people dream of things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’ Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
2. On thinking for yourself
“I do this real moron thing, and it’s called thinking. And apparently I’m not a very good American because I like to form my own opinions.”
3. On staying at your job
Douglas Elbinger/Contributor
“Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.”
4. On caterpillars and butterflies
Chuck Fishman/Contributor
“The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity.”
5. On consumerism
“A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.”
6. On buying bottled water
Kevin Statham/Contributor
“Ever wonder about those people who spend $2 apiece on those little bottles of Evian water? Try spelling Evian backward.”
7. On mob rule
“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
8. On the average person’s intelligence
“Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.”
9. On teaching your children
“Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything.”
10. On the hollowness of modern life
“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.”
11. On finding happiness through possessions
“Trying to be happy by accumulating possessions is like trying to satisfy hunger by taping sandwiches all over your body.”
12. On the American dream
“That’s why they call it the American Dream, because you have to be asleep to believe it.”
13. On the monkey on your back
“Just ‘cause you got the monkey off your back doesn’t mean that the circus has left town.”
14. On bi-partisan politics
“‘Bipartisan’ usually means that a larger-than-usual deception is being carried out.”
15. On other drivers
“Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”
For more on George Carlin’s life and work, visit his official website.
16. On valuing opinions
“The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.”
Appreciate raw wit and fearless thinkers?
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