Life is a near-death experience.
George CarlinRead
The violence of the Left is symbolic, the injuries are not intended. The violence of the Right is real - directed at people, designed to cause injuries. Vietnam, nuclear weapons, police out of control are intentional forms of violence. The violence from the Right is aimed directly at people and the violence from the Left is aimed at institutions and symbols.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote contrasts the nature of violence from different political ideologies, suggesting that one is more symbolic while the other is direct and harmful.
George Carlin's quote highlights a distinction between the types of violence associated with the political Left and Right. He argues that the Left's violence is often more about challenging symbols and institutions, whereas the Right's violence is more directly harmful to individuals and communities, focusing on tangible and intentional acts that cause injuries and suffering. This comment reflects a deeper commentary on the motivations and consequences of political activism and aggression.
Themes
ViolencePoliticsLeftRightSymbolicRealInjuryActivism
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to illustrate differing views on how violence is manifested in society.
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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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.
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