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Going back to the element of surprise. I would probably place Carlin as the best comedian of all time. But really, he's a monologist. I don't think I've ever laughed aloud to one of his bits. But they are so tightly constructed and commonsensical that they 'stick to your ribs.' I can, and do, quote verbatim things I heard him say 20 years ago, because their applicability and aptness arises time and time again.
But his humor arose from the logical progression of his train of thought. You knew approximately what he was going to say, just not how wittily or succinctly he would sum it up. He was YOUR brain doing a better job of processing the world around you.
He is the epitome of someone you can greatly respect for their craft* and really TRULY find funny without laughing at their set. Just a pleasant, satisfied smile borne of sitting in the presence of genius.
* - though he did get crotchety and bitter, and not in a good way, in his waning years.
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We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
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