Remembering George Carlin

Like many I was shocked at the sudden death of George Carlin, who not only was a great stand-up comic but was often very accurate in his descriptions of every day life. While many will always think of him as the guy with the 7 dirty words he was much more than that and I will miss his wit and wisdom. Here’s one about how life is not as difficult as many make it out to be as long as you have a good set of rules.

· Relax and take it easy. Don’t get caught up in hollow conceits such as “doing something with your life.”
· Whatever it is you pursue, try to do it just well enough to remain in the middle third of the field. Keep your thoughts and ideas to yourself and don’t ask questions.
· Size people up quickly and develop rigid attitudes based on your first impression. If you try to delve deeper and get to know people you are asking for trouble.
· Don’t fall for that superstitious nonsense about treating people the way you would like to be treated.
· Spends as much time as you can pleading and impressing others, even if it makes you unhappy. Pay special attention to shallow manipulators who can do you the most harm.
· Surround yourself with inferiors and losers. Not only will you look good by comparison, but they will look up to you and that will make you feel better.
· Don’t buy into the sentimental notion that everyone has shortcomings; it’s the surest way of undermining yourself. Remember, the really best people have no defects.
· Beware of intuition and gut instincts, they are completely unreliable. Instead, develop preconceived notions and don’t waver unless someone tells you to.
· Never give up on an idea simply because it is bad and doesn’t work. Cling to it even when it is hopeless. Anyone can cut and run but it takes a special person to stay with something that is stupid and harmful.
· Always remember that today doesn’t count. Trying to make something out of today only robs you of precious time that could be spent daydreaming of resting up.
· Try to dwell on the past. Think of all the mistakes you’ve made and how much better it would be if you hadn’t made them.
· If by chance you make a fresh mistake, try to repeat it a few times so you become familiar with it and can do it easily in the future.
· Finally, enjoy yourself all the time and do whatever you want. Don’t be seduced by that mindless chatter going around about “responsibility.” That’s exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your life.