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Here's another question I have. How come when it's us, it's an abortion, and when it's a chicken, it's an omelet? Are we so much better than chickens all of a sudden? When did this happen, that we passed chickens in goodness. Name 6 ways we're better than chickens. See, nobody can do it! You know why? 'Cause chickens are decent people. You don't see chickens hanging around in drug gangs, do you? No. You don't see a chicken strapping some guy into a chair and hooking up his nuts to a car battery, do you? When's the last chicken you heard about come home from work and beat the shit out of his hen, huh? Doesn't happen, 'cause chickens are decent people.

George Carlin#16

HumorCarlinEthicsMoralityHuman natureComparison

About this quote

What does it mean?
Carlin questions the moral distinction between humans and chickens, claiming chickens are more decent than people.
In plain terms
He says chickens are better people because they don’t commit violent crimes.
What can you take from it?
Moral superiority often fails under scrutiny.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • moral reasoning
  • comparing species

Putting it to work

  • test moral claims
  • compare behaviors
  • question assumptions

Questions to consider

  • What makes humans better than animals?
  • Is moral superiority justified?

Another view

The argument simplifies human morality and chicken behavior.

More from George Carlin

  1. Some of you might be familiar with some of my more famous tips from the past. How to get rid of counterfeit money? Put it in the collection plate at church!

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  2. Catholic - which I was until I reached the age of reason.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. A lot of people try to get out of jury duty by lying. You don't have to lie; tell the judge the truth. Tell him you'd make a terrific juror because you can spo…

    Permalink to quote #14

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