Life is a near-death experience.
George CarlinRead
I don't get all choked up about yellow ribbons and American flags. I see them as symbols, and I leave them to the symbol-minded.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses skepticism towards symbols and the emotional responses they evoke, suggesting a more critical perspective on patriotism.
George Carlin's statement reflects his ambivalence towards symbols like yellow ribbons and American flags, indicating that he believes such symbols are superficial representations of deeper issues. He distinguishes between those who are emotionally invested in these symbols and his own perspective, which prioritizes critical thinking over emotional attachment to patriotic imagery.
Themes
SymbolsPatriotismCritical ThinkingEmotionSkepticism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about blind nationalism at a community forum.
More from George Carlin
All quotes →Here’s a bumper sticker I’d like to see: “We are the proud parents of a child who’s self-esteem is sufficient that he doesn’t need us promoting his minor scholastic achievements on the back of our car."
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If you've got a cat and a leg, you've got a happy cat. If you've got a cat and two legs, you've got a party.
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This is a lttle prayer dedicated to the separation of church and state. I guess if they are going to force those kids to pray in schools they might as well have a nice prayer like this: Our Father who art in heaven, and to the republic for which it stands, thy kingdom come, one nation indivisible as in heaven, give us this day as we forgive those who so proudly we hail. Crown thy good into temptation but deliver us from the twilight's last gleaming. Amen and Awomen.
George CarlinRead
Some people try to get out of jury duty by lying. You don't have to lie. Tell the judge the truth. Tell him you'd make a terrific juror because you can spot guilty people.
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Intelligence tests are biased toward the literate.
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