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George Carlin died of heart failure yesterday at age 71. The best way I can think of highlighting his life is not rambling on about his achievements, it is a simpler gesture: I’ve uploaded his infamous 1978-Supreme-Court-ruling riff “Seven Words.” The ruling defended the government’s authority to punish stations for broadcasting offensive language. As suggested, for those who have not seen it, the following is not safe for work.

Rest in peace, George, you hilarious bastard.

Today’s world is riddled with the likes of generic, uninventive sitcom humor, and comedy clubs, lurking with comedians who all abide by the same joke-telling formulas aimed at appealing to an audience with a low standard for is considered funny. As cynical, and opinionated as this may sound, it’s quite true, and there is a very sad commentary to be derived from this: Many people would much rather be entertained without having to think. Thankfully, though not everyone thinks this way. There are entire communities of lesser known comics out there who believe that comedy is an art form which should require thought. Here are three of my favorite “alternative comics” who are doing their part to further the art form and bring light to a very dark world.