Quick Wisdom

10 Great George Carlin Quotes

By on October 15, 2009 in Learn with Humor

George Carlin was one of the best comedians of our time.  In between his bits that made some people cringe at his use of language, he educated a world of people with insight and wisdom in a colorful way.  His “Modern Man” routine is the greatest bit on wordplay I’ve ever seen:

Here are 10 Great George Carlin Quotes to get inspired:

  1. “Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it.”
  2. “Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster is a maniac?”
  3. “I think it’s the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.”
  4. “‘One thing leads to another?’ Not always. Sometimes one thing leads to the same thing. Ask an addict.”
  5. “Property is theft. Nobody ‘owns’ anything. When you die, it all stays here.”
  6. “Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.”
  7. “Most people with low self-esteem have earned it.”
  8. “Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn’t mean the circus has left town.”
  9. “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.”
  10. “The status quo sucks.”

For even more great quotes, check out 101 Greatest George Carlin Quotes.

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Talking Improv Wisdom, an Interview with Patricia Ryan Madson

By on September 21, 2009 in Humor Talks

Patricia Ryan Madson, author of one of my favorite books on improv, Improv Wisdom, has been teaching for more than four decades, with a quarter century of experience as a instructor in improvisation.  I talked with Patricia about her book and the value of improv in life and the workplace.

Patricia Ryan Madson

Patricia Ryan Madson

To hear our discussion, check out the audio below:

 

Highlights of our talk include:

  • What is Improv Wisdom all about? (0:43)
  • Want 40% higher self-esteem? Take improv classes. (7:10)
  • Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up. (10:35)
  • Raise your hands and say, “Tada!” (16:28)
  • The value of stating the obvious. (21:15)
  • Improv makes really nice people. (23:56)
  • “Mommy! There’s a monster in my closet!” (32:09)

For more, check out:

And last but not least, I’ve transcribed the interview for those who prefer reading to listening (note: it has been edited for clarity).  You can find the transcription at:

Note: This is the second Humor Talks interview, a series with some of today’s thought leaders on the topic of humor and fun in the workplace.  You can sign-up for the Humor Newsletter to stay up-to-date with new interviews or get all future interviews via Podcast.

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