Lenny Bruce quotes

Lenny Bruce: A Revolutionary Comedian Pushing Boundaries Lenny Bruce (1925-1966) was an American stand-up comedian and social satirist known for his fearless, boundary-pushing style. As a trailblazer of the counterculture era, Bruce fearlessly challenged social norms, paved the way for freedom of speech, and greatly influenced modern comedy. Born in New York City, Bruce faced legal battles due to the explicit nature of his humor. He fearlessly used satire to expose social and political hypocrisies during a time of growing censorship, making him a controversial figure. Bruce's impact on comedy cannot be overstated. He was a precursor to the modern stand-up revolution, inspiring generations of comedians with his raw and honest approach. His unwavering determination to speak truth to power led to landmark First Amendment decisions, defending the right to free speech. Remembered for his razor-sharp wit, Bruce's legacy lives on. His influence can be seen in comedians such as George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Chris Rock. Lenny Bruce's comedic genius and unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms continue to shape the landscape of comedy today. In conclusion, Lenny Bruce was a revolutionary comedian who fearlessly pushed boundaries, challenging social and political norms through his satirical humor. His legacy as a free speech warrior and comedy pioneer remains deeply cherished in the hearts of comedians and fans alike.

The only honest art form is laughter, comedy. You can't fake it. Try to fake three laughs in an hour -- ha ha ha ha ha -- they'll take you away, man. You can't.

- Lenny Bruce

The American Constitution was not written to protect criminals; it was written to protect the government from becoming criminals.

- Lenny Bruce

The 'what should be' never did exist, but people keep trying to live up to it. There is no 'what should be,' there is only what is.

- Lenny Bruce

Take away the right to say ‘fuck’ and you take away the right to say ‘fuck the government'.

- Lenny Bruce

Life is a four-letter word.

- Lenny Bruce

Liberals can understand everything but people who don't understand them.

- Lenny Bruce

It's the suppression of the word that gives it the power, the violence, the viciousness.

- Lenny Bruce

If there was absolute freedom, people would run over babies and charge admission

- Lenny Bruce

If something about the human body disgusts you, the fault lies with the manufacturer.

- Lenny Bruce

I'll die young, but it's like kissing God.

- Lenny Bruce

I would become a priest or a rabbi or a monk or whatever the hell was necessary to perform miracles such as taking money from someone else's pocket and putting it into mine, still remaining within the confines of the law.

- Lenny Bruce

I won't say ours was a tough school, but we had our own coroner.

- Lenny Bruce

I was not born in a vacuum. Every thought I have belongs to someone else.

- Lenny Bruce

I don't read enough books, so I guess I'm pretty shallow. I'm a lot into the physical. With me, first attraction is never intellectual.

- Lenny Bruce

I am influenced by every second of my waking hour.

- Lenny Bruce

Guys are like dogs. They keep comin' back. Ladies are like cats. Yell at a cat one time, they're gone.

- Lenny Bruce

Anyone who does anything for pleasure to indulge his selfish soul will surely burn in Hell.

- Lenny Bruce

Alright, let's admit it, we Jews killed Christ – but it was only for three days.

- Lenny Bruce

All my humor is based upon destruction and despair.

- Lenny Bruce

A lot of people say to me, 'Why did you kill Christ?' I dunno, it was one of those parties, got out of hand, you know.

- Lenny Bruce

The liberals can understand everything but people who don't understand them.

- Lenny Bruce

If you live in New York, even if you're Catholic, you're Jewish.

- Lenny Bruce

If Jesus had been killed twenty years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses.

- Lenny Bruce

I'll die young, but it's like kissing God.

- Lenny Bruce

The only truly anonymous donor is the guy who knocks up your daughter.

- Lenny Bruce

Miami Beach is where neon goes to die.

- Lenny Bruce

I hate small towns because once you've seen the cannon in the park there's nothing else to do.

- Lenny Bruce

Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.

- Lenny Bruce

A lot of people say to me, 'Why did you kill Christ?' I dunno, it was one of those parties, got out of hand, you know.

- Lenny Bruce

Satire is tragedy plus time. You give it enough time, the public, the reviewers will allow you to satirize it. Which is rather ridiculous, when you think about it.

- Lenny Bruce