Lenny Bruce

Provocative comedian

Modern influential 100 sayings

Sayings by Lenny Bruce

The only honest art form is confession.

1965 — From his autobiography, 'How to Talk Dirty and Influence People'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a comedian. I'm Lenny Bruce.

1960s — Often said during performances and interviews
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every day people are being oppressed to the point where they are becoming afraid to talk.

1964 — Court testimony, New York obscenity trial
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you believe in God, then you're a believer. If you don't believe in God, then you're a non-believer. If you don't care, then you're an agnostic. If you don't know, then you're a Jew.

1960s — Stand-up routine
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The most important thing in life is to be honest with yourself.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not here to be liked. I'm here to be understood.

1960s — Often said during performances
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The law is a weapon, and the judge is a gun.

1964 — Court testimony, New York obscenity trial
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a dirty comedian. I'm a social commentator.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you can't say 'fuck' you can't say 'fuck the government.'

1960s — Stand-up routine
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I'm not a moralist. I'm an observer.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A lot of people think I'm a dirty comedian. I'm not. I'm a clean comedian. I just talk about dirty things.

1960s — Stand-up routine
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The truth is what's funny.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid to not live.

1960s — Often said during interviews and performances
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only way to be truly free is to be an individual.

1965 — From his autobiography, 'How to Talk Dirty and Influence People'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a hero. I'm just a guy who tells jokes.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a villain. I'm a comedian.

1960s — Often said during performances
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a saint. I'm a sinner, like everybody else.

1965 — From his autobiography, 'How to Talk Dirty and Influence People'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a devil. I'm a man who's trying to make sense of the world.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a god. I'm just a guy who got lucky.

1960s — Often said during performances
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a genius. I just work hard.

1960s — Interview
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable