I’m finding myself sad this morning about the passing of a man I don’t even know. I know of him, or I should say of his work. George Carlin permanently left the building yesterday, June 22, 2008.

His brilliant wit, remarkable memory, and ability to spew prose like a poet always fascinated me. The unique comedic ideas that were so far from what the mainstream comics would dare speak of was refreshing and for many, a bit shocking. This is when stand-up comedy crosses over from entertainment to enlightenment. When a comic can make you laugh and make you wonder about your universe, that’s called comedic art.

Carlin isn’t for everyone, because not everyone will understand what he was talking about. Many don’t even want to, or are too afraid if they did.

George Carlin’s official website

TIME magazine Interview’s Carlin