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I decided to look around for something else to worship, something I could really count on. And immediately, I thought of the sun. Happened like that: overnight I became a sun-worshipper. Well, not overnight, you can't see the sun at night. But first thing the next morning. Several reasons: first of all, I can see the sun, okay? Yeah, unlike some other gods I could mention, I can actually see the sun. I'm big on that. If I can see something - I don't know, kind of helps the credibility along, you know? So every day I can see the sun, as it gives me everything I need: heat, light, food, flowers in the park, reflections on the lake - an occasional skin cancer, but hey. At least there are no crucifixions, and we're not setting people on fire simply because they don't agree with us. Sun worship is fairly simple. There's no mystery, no miracles, no pageantry, no one asks for money, there are no songs to learn, and we don't have a special building where we all gather once a week to compare clothing. And the best thing about the sun, it never tells me I'm unworthy. Doesn't tell me I'm a bad person who needs to be saved. Hasn't said an unkind word; treats me fine. So, I worship the sun. But I don't pray to the sun. Know why? I wouldn't presume on our friendship. It's not polite. : You know who I pray to? Joe Pesci.

George Carlin#31

BeliefFaithNatureReliability

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker finds comfort in the sun due to its visibility and lack of human drama.
In plain terms
Sun worship is easy because you can see it.
What can you take from it?
Visible, reliable things inspire faith.

Where it applies

  • spiritual reflection
  • nature appreciation
  • philosophical debate

Putting it to work

  • seek tangible values
  • question abstract beliefs

Questions to consider

  • What can you truly rely on?
  • Is visibility a sign of truth?

Another view

Sun worship is metaphorical and not a serious religious alternative.

More from George Carlin

  1. Religion has actually convinced people : that there's an invisible man : living in the sky : who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the …

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  2. I know what you're thinking. You're all thinking, 'Jesus, he's not going to attack children, is he?' Yes, he is! He's going to attack children! And remember, t…

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  3. Here's another bunch of ignorant shit: school uniforms. Bad theory. The idea that if kids wear uniforms to school it helps keep order. Don't these schools do e…

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