I don't like the phrase shock value. Surprise is essential in comedy, and if people are shocked by what I consider merely surprising, then that's their shock. But there is no joke without surprise.
George CarlinResults like these [state of the earth] do not belong on the resumรฉ of a supreme being.
George CarlinPeople get all upset about torture, but when you get right down to it, it's really a pretty good way of finding out something a person doesn't want you to know.
George CarlinNo matter how you care to define it, I do not identify with the local group. Planet, species, race, nation, state, religion, party, union, club, association, neighborhood improvement committee; I have no interest in any of it. I love and treasure individuals as I meet them, I loathe and despise the groups they identify with and belong to.
George Carlin