Philosedy

Social commentator. Revolutionary. Genius! Maybe. When a comic reaches certain heights, many people tend to want to add addendums to the "comedian" moniker--feeling that "comedian" no longer encapsulates the work the artist is now producing (or has produced). Perhaps a compliment to the artist. Perhaps a slight to the art form. Either way, I like a comic who can wear more than one hat (unless it's a silly one, because that's so fucking hack). I enjoy--and feel like this one sometimes gets lost in the shuffle--when a comedian can take on the role of a philosopher.

Speaking in taught, grandiose language about the world--trying to give it some hope and meaning. Now most "philosedy" is rather broad and, usually opposed to the rest of the performer's act, somewhat naively optimistic. But maybe that's the point. After taking the better part of an hour telling an audience how there's no god, the government's lying to you, and your life is mostly a shell, maybe a comic want to prove to you--and perhaps to themselves--that it's all not that bad.

I know the clips below don't glow with the most revealing introspection you've ever heard or read, but maybe I forgive their broadness because I know they are being said by men who have proved to me, through every other word they've ever said and/or spoke, that they are some of the truly great minds we, as a society, have ever known. So, while these clips below may be only a half step above a "Live, Laugh, Love" picture frame or a shared photo from George Takei's facebook feed, they make me happy.


Bill Hicks - It's Just A Ride

A great end to a great special. I always imagine life at "The Raptor" from Cedar Point while listening to this.


George Carlin - The Big Electron

Taken from Carlin's bit, Saving The Planet. I have the video cued up to the relevant segment, but if you get a chance, give the whole clip a listen. Like most great pieces of material, just as relevant today as it was round-about 2 decades ago.


Lenny Bruce - The Truth

Short but sweet.