Charlie Brown, the perpetual underdog of Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip, faces a litany of disappointments. From baseball game losses to kites tangled in trees and the always painful experience of trusting Lucy with a football, his resilience is tested daily. Yet, despite these setbacks, he consistently returns to try again. This stubborn streak of hope, even in the face of repeated failure, makes his small acts of courage compelling.
One of the most poignant examples of this comes from a February 3, 1966, comic strip. In it, Lucy mocks Charlie Brown for volunteering for a school spelling bee. Charlie Brown’s response delivers some of the most insightful advice Schulz ever penned, a sentiment that remains relevant six decades later.
Schulz, who had announced his retirement two months prior due to health issues, had created his final strip shortly after his announcement. While aware of his declining health, he could not have known that his last comic strip would run just one day after his passing.
This poignant timing was fitting for an artist who profoundly impacted American culture. Over his 50-year career, Schulz produced nearly 18,000 Peanuts comics, many of which offered a blend of sweetness, humor, and surprising depth. The strip from February 3, 1966, stands out for featuring Schulz's best-ever quote.
Charlie Brown and the Spelling Bee
The comic strip was part of a larger storyline focusing on Charlie Brown’s participation in a spelling bee, which began on February 2, 1966, and ran for 16 consecutive strips, excluding Sundays.
In the narrative, Charlie Brown volunteers for the spelling bee with enthusiasm, but characteristically falters on his first word, spelling “maze” as “m-a-y-s.” Visibly distressed, he puts his head down at his desk. After being prompted to lift his head by his teacher, Charlie Brown reacts sharply and is sent to the principal's office. He later returns to class and apologizes.
The most significant moment in this storyline occurs in the second strip, following Charlie Brown's decision to enter the bee. An incredulous Lucy questions his decision, leading Charlie Brown to exclaim, “Well, what’s wrong? What’s wrong with trying?! I can try, can’t I?” He then delivers a truly insightful line: “What’s the good of living if you don’t try a few things?”
This statement is remarkably profound and offers valuable advice for anyone facing challenges. However, its wisdom is initially lost on both Lucy and Charlie Brown himself, as neither character stops to fully appreciate the moment. Lucy remains skeptical, and Charlie Brown is preoccupied with defending himself. Notably, this line was omitted from the storyline’s most famous adaptation.
Charlie Brown on the Big Screen
The spelling bee storyline later formed the basis for the first Peanuts feature film, A Boy Named Charlie Brown, released on December 4, 1969. Written by Schulz himself, the film, though perhaps less remembered now, holds a significant place in Peanuts history. It follows the same narrative arc as the comic strip but expands upon it to fill 85 minutes. Despite the additions, certain elements from the comic strip, including the impactful quote about trying, were not included.
Whether this omission was due to time constraints or Schulz's own assessment of the line's significance is unclear. Nevertheless, the statement remains exceptionally profound, resonating with the wisdom often sought from presidents, philosophers, and other respected figures. It prompts a vital question: what is the true purpose of life if not to attempt new things? Charles Schulz certainly embraced this philosophy, and his enduring legacy is a testament to that endeavor.