The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments in a courthouse: you cannot post 'Thou shalt not steal', 'Thou shalt not commit adultery' and 'Thou shalt not lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians. It creates a hostile work environment.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He points out the hypocrisy of displaying religious laws in institutions filled with people who break them.
- In plain terms
- Posting Thou Shalt Not Steal or Lie in a courthouse is ironic since lawyers and politicians often do these things.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize when rules are performative rather than practical.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who follows public rules?
- When are rules symbolic?
Another view
It reduces complex legal ethics to a single joke.
More from George Carlin
'When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?' This title offends all three major religions, and even vegetarians!
Permalink to quote #97 Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself.
Permalink to quote #99 The only good thing ever to come out of religion was the music.
Permalink to quote #96
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