George Carlin dies in Los Angeles at 71

I’ve probably taken more philosophical cues from Carlin than any other person on the planet. He opened me up to atheism, liberalism and contrarianism. Made me unafraid to say things with confidence. Made me want to think, reject and reconsider. His early ’90s albums—not that lauded, but mediocre ’70s material—are as instructive and influential to me now as they were when I was a lost pre-teen stuck in the suburbs. Did I mention he was a funny motherfucker?