“Building character” was a recurring theme with Calvin’s Dad, and it reflected Bill Watterson’s memories of speeches given to him by his father. Here is an example that we read a year ago:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (June 13, 1993)And here is a very early example from the second month of Calvin and Hobbes:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (January 22, 1986)“Building character” also had been a recurring theme for Charles Schulz in Peanuts, 30 years earlier. Of course, in that case it didn’t involve speeches by a parent, since there were no adults in the strip.Click here: Peanuts (August 24, 1959)Click here: Peanuts (May 25, 1962)Click here: Peanuts (October 8, 1957)
I found the following quote from “The Moon and Sixpence” on the Wikiquote page for Maugham: “I forget who it was that recommended men for their soul’s good to do each day two things they disliked … it is a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up and I have gone to bed.”
I rarely comment on C&H but I ran across this link and now cannot resist posting it here. It might be old news to you and if so, sorry to have bothered you.>http://www.tickld.com/x/this-guy-just-changed-the-way-we-seecalvin-and-hobbes
@Night-Gaunt49: Interestingly, Bill Watterson built some character growing up, as a result of or in spite of his father’s speeches on the subject. As an adult, he was clear on his priorities and was able to turn down millions of dollars in potential income by refusing to commercialize Calvin and Hobbes. Whether we agree or disagree with his decision, few adults would have the character to do what he did.
@W6BXQ, John: Thanks for letting me know. I always test the links after I post them, but that one slipped by me because the two baseball strips look similar.Here is the correct link. Since the 1962 version on GoComics is in black and white, my link actually goes to the 2009 GoComics rerun which has been colorized.Click here: Peanuts (May 25, 1962)
At first, Calvin didn’t want to go outside, but then it got late and it was time for him to come in, but he wanted to stay outside and catch fireflies!
BE THIS GUY over 10 years ago
Dad is a killjoy.
Susie Derkins D: over 10 years ago
There’s always tommorow.
Meh~tdology, fka Pepelaputr over 10 years ago
That’s right; you’ll be characterized when you get older.
ORMouseworks over 10 years ago
Spoil-sport, huh?! ;)
Zero-Gabriel over 10 years ago
@Calvin
When your Dad is old and grey… Just stick him in a Home and and say… “It’s for your own good and it builds character!”.
Hobbes Premium Member over 10 years ago
“Building character” was a recurring theme with Calvin’s Dad, and it reflected Bill Watterson’s memories of speeches given to him by his father. Here is an example that we read a year ago:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (June 13, 1993)And here is a very early example from the second month of Calvin and Hobbes:Click here: Calvin and Hobbes (January 22, 1986)“Building character” also had been a recurring theme for Charles Schulz in Peanuts, 30 years earlier. Of course, in that case it didn’t involve speeches by a parent, since there were no adults in the strip.Click here: Peanuts (August 24, 1959)Click here: Peanuts (May 25, 1962)Click here: Peanuts (October 8, 1957)
Pithy (yeah, right) over 10 years ago
@watmiwori @bluskies
I found the following quote from “The Moon and Sixpence” on the Wikiquote page for Maugham: “I forget who it was that recommended men for their soul’s good to do each day two things they disliked … it is a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up and I have gone to bed.”
GROG Premium Member over 10 years ago
Calvin’s a character.
aejb over 10 years ago
Moralizer! Can on play in peace?
Fan o’ Lio. over 10 years ago
I rarely comment on C&H but I ran across this link and now cannot resist posting it here. It might be old news to you and if so, sorry to have bothered you.>http://www.tickld.com/x/this-guy-just-changed-the-way-we-seecalvin-and-hobbes
dustspecks Premium Member over 10 years ago
Now that Calvin’s in bed, dad can go watch the Playboy Channel in peace.
David_J Premium Member over 10 years ago
Good thing Calvin didn’t have internet access.
Hobbes Premium Member over 10 years ago
@Night-Gaunt49: Interestingly, Bill Watterson built some character growing up, as a result of or in spite of his father’s speeches on the subject. As an adult, he was clear on his priorities and was able to turn down millions of dollars in potential income by refusing to commercialize Calvin and Hobbes. Whether we agree or disagree with his decision, few adults would have the character to do what he did.
Hobbes Premium Member over 10 years ago
@Tacopielvr: Reading the comics always reminds me of my youth, because I spent part of my youth reading the comics.
neverenoughgold over 10 years ago
Ahhh… the truth hurts; doesn’t it, Calvin?
dirgis3 over 10 years ago
Maugham quote from above: I do LOTS of things I don’t want to everyday. I have character ooooozing out all over the place. Like most of us, I bet!
Not the Smartest Man On the Planet -- Maybe Close Premium Member over 10 years ago
And nothing disillusions like finding out your parents are right.
Number Three over 10 years ago
Words of Wisdom in the 3rd panel.
xxx
Hobbes Premium Member over 10 years ago
@W6BXQ, John: Thanks for letting me know. I always test the links after I post them, but that one slipped by me because the two baseball strips look similar.Here is the correct link. Since the 1962 version on GoComics is in black and white, my link actually goes to the 2009 GoComics rerun which has been colorized.Click here: Peanuts (May 25, 1962)
BE THIS GUY over 10 years ago
@Night-Gaunt49Mom and Dad work in shifts.
hmvanyel over 10 years ago
Who remembers catching fireflies as kids?
Hobbes Premium Member over 10 years ago
@Night-Gaunt49: I look at cartoonists like professional athletes. They need to know when it is time to retire.
CalvinObvious over 10 years ago
At first, Calvin didn’t want to go outside, but then it got late and it was time for him to come in, but he wanted to stay outside and catch fireflies!