Portrait of Lenny Bruce

Lenny Bruce

Provocative comedian

Modern influential 100 sayings

Sayings by Lenny Bruce

I'm not afraid of the truth. I'm afraid of lies.

1960s — Often said during performances
Wisdom Unverifiable

If you can take the hot lead enema, then you can cast the first stone.

1960s — Stand-up performance
Wisdom Unverifiable

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.

1964 — Interview with Playboy
Art & Creativity Unverifiable

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

1950s — Stand-up routine
Educational Unverifiable

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

1961 — Performance at Carnegie Hall
Biblical Unverifiable

The only way to get laid is to get laid to rest.

1963 — Controversial stand-up bit
Wisdom Unverifiable

“There are no dirty words, just dirty minds.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“A lot of people say to me, 'Why do you say those words?' And I say, 'Because I like them.'”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“If you believe in God, you're a fool. If you don't believe in God, you're a fool.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not a dirty comic. I'm an honest comic.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“Every day people are being brainwashed into believing that they're supposed to be something that they're not.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I don't think there's any such thing as a bad word.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“If I'm a dirty comic, it's because I'm talking about dirty things that exist in the world.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“My only sin is honesty.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“If you can't laugh at yourself, you're missing the point.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not a rebel. I'm just a guy who tells the truth.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not trying to shock you. I'm trying to make you think.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not a moralist. I'm a reporter.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not here to entertain you. I'm here to tell you the truth.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable

“I'm not a comedian. I'm a social critic.”

1960s — Performance, various shows
General Unverifiable
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