When this strip was written, it was funny because it was plausible but considered rare. Today, that strategy is common and we all expect it of the “other” side. Except today we call it curation rather than selection and “fact checking” gives it an appearance of validity.
All work is optional, unless you want something. I’ve seen the results of “optional work” on the side of the road with pieces of cardboard asking for money. …sad
Some people will think that Hobbes is part of the reality that Calvin chooses to accept. I used to think so myself. As I have explained before, I started out believing that Hobbes was part of Calvin’s fantastic imagination.
After a few months, I read my first collection which was “Something Under The Bed Is Drooling”. I still believed that Hobbes and the Monsters In The Bedroom were part of Calvin’s imagination. This started to change as I noticed that some of the strips showed a living Hobbes without Calvin. I still largely believed that Hobbes was part of Calvin’s imagination but I started to look out for strips which showed a living Hobbes without Calvin and to remember them.
As I mentioned one day last week, Watterson explained in The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book, “I do not see Hobbes as a toy who miraculously comes to life when alone with Calvin. Nor do I see Hobbes as a product of Calvin’s imagination…Calvin sees Hobbes one way. Everyone else sees him another way.”
As Watterson didn’t intend Hobbes to be a toy who comes to life or part of Calvin’s imagination, I assume that he did not see Hobbes as a toy at all. This ties in with the fact that when Hobbes is alone he is the same as when Calvin is alone with him. It is only when someone other than Calvin looks at Hobbes that we see Hobbes as the stuffed toy that I originally believed him to be.
Usually it is just the last question (extra credit) that is optional. I know this isn’t going to make me any friends but I did my elementary school homework on the bus on the way home. After that, my time was my own.
I know there has been a long simmering debate about whether kids should have homework or not. I would say for now if the teachers assign homework you do it.
BE THIS GUY over 1 year ago
At least, Calvin realizes he’s rejecting reality; that can be considered progress.
codycab over 1 year ago
He’s accepting failure.
Templo S.U.D. over 1 year ago
sure, Calvin, let’s go with that
eastern.woods.metal over 1 year ago
Watterson a ahead of his time. That’s all I’ll say
C over 1 year ago
You’ll probably be more grounded next week
Scorpio Premium Member over 1 year ago
I reject your reality and substitute my own
lalapalooza Premium Member over 1 year ago
i admire that you all have opinions about reality. My experiences lately with it have led me to proceed with caution when trying to assess its nature.
GeorgeInAZ over 1 year ago
When this strip was written, it was funny because it was plausible but considered rare. Today, that strategy is common and we all expect it of the “other” side. Except today we call it curation rather than selection and “fact checking” gives it an appearance of validity.
rshive over 1 year ago
However, the consequences of not doing it are probably not optional.
eced52 over 1 year ago
The reality I accepted, was do my homework or have a conversation with the belt
Wise-Cracking Amelia over 1 year ago
Succeeding, yet still failing.
DaveG1960 over 1 year ago
I see another trip to the principal’s office……
chuckcork1 over 1 year ago
Already prepared for a future in politics at 7!
orinoco womble over 1 year ago
Reality is a concept.
The Reader Premium Member over 1 year ago
Reality bites!
fuzzbucket Premium Member over 1 year ago
I used that “optional” excuse once when I was that age because of the teacher’s phrasing, but it didn’t work.
dflak over 1 year ago
With Descartes, it was “I think, therefore I am.” With some people today it’s “I want it to be, therefore it is.”
Zebrastripes over 1 year ago
Wait til REALITY hits you in the face..a rude awakening….
Chris over 1 year ago
either of them sounds about right.
MattDingleberry over 1 year ago
“alternative facts” is what he accepts.
RobinHood over 1 year ago
Calvin must be a commenter over at Prickly City
More Coffee Please! Premium Member over 1 year ago
God I love that kid!
sandpiper over 1 year ago
’Tis the endemic of our time.
rugeirn over 1 year ago
30 years ago!
flemmingo over 1 year ago
That’s why he brings home a redacted report card. All of the bad hidden.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 1 year ago
All work is optional, unless you want something. I’ve seen the results of “optional work” on the side of the road with pieces of cardboard asking for money. …sad
Guayo1 over 1 year ago
I’ll forget Nostradamus and go with Bill Watterson.
Calvinist1966 over 1 year ago
Some people will think that Hobbes is part of the reality that Calvin chooses to accept. I used to think so myself. As I have explained before, I started out believing that Hobbes was part of Calvin’s fantastic imagination.
After a few months, I read my first collection which was “Something Under The Bed Is Drooling”. I still believed that Hobbes and the Monsters In The Bedroom were part of Calvin’s imagination. This started to change as I noticed that some of the strips showed a living Hobbes without Calvin. I still largely believed that Hobbes was part of Calvin’s imagination but I started to look out for strips which showed a living Hobbes without Calvin and to remember them.
As I mentioned one day last week, Watterson explained in The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book, “I do not see Hobbes as a toy who miraculously comes to life when alone with Calvin. Nor do I see Hobbes as a product of Calvin’s imagination…Calvin sees Hobbes one way. Everyone else sees him another way.”
As Watterson didn’t intend Hobbes to be a toy who comes to life or part of Calvin’s imagination, I assume that he did not see Hobbes as a toy at all. This ties in with the fact that when Hobbes is alone he is the same as when Calvin is alone with him. It is only when someone other than Calvin looks at Hobbes that we see Hobbes as the stuffed toy that I originally believed him to be.
mfrasca over 1 year ago
Epigram for our times:
“It’s not denial. I’m just selective about the reality I accept.”
― Bill Watterson
spectru Premium Member over 1 year ago
Calvin is showing at a young age his qualifications to be president.
SchipLvr over 1 year ago
Wow, Calvin is sure sounding Presidential.
Steverino Premium Member over 1 year ago
I didn’t realize that Calvin went to Egypt and swam in the big river there.
BiggerNate91 over 1 year ago
We already knew Calvin exists in many different realities anyway…
Robert4170 over 1 year ago
Calvin almost always denies reality. Hobbes is a perfect example.
zosnerd over 1 year ago
reality is vastly overrated
The Wolf In Your Midst over 1 year ago
“Kids these days are a complete waste. I was perfect at that age.” – old people
mistercatworks over 1 year ago
Usually it is just the last question (extra credit) that is optional. I know this isn’t going to make me any friends but I did my elementary school homework on the bus on the way home. After that, my time was my own.
SweetSinger over 1 year ago
OMG! I’m married to Calvin!
Rose Madder Premium Member over 1 year ago
Especially in school – the only sense of reality seems to be Moe. Certainly not his daydreams.
kathleenhicks62 over 1 year ago
The proof of his statement is Hobbes.
jconnors3954 over 1 year ago
Calvin is like everyone else!
John Jorgensen over 1 year ago
I tried that once in the eighth grade. Deliberately convinced myself an assignment was not due. My mother was not amused.
Lola85 Premium Member over 1 year ago
If this isn’t already on a T-shirt, it should be. I think it would sell really well.
JoeMartinFan Premium Member over 1 year ago
Until reality bites you in the @$$…
g04922 over 1 year ago
I don’t accept other people’s reality…. Nurses and Aides hear that all the time on the Psychiatry Units.
edeloriea14 over 1 year ago
Ha! I’ll bet Calvin didn’t even bother with his homework.
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 1 year ago
I know there has been a long simmering debate about whether kids should have homework or not. I would say for now if the teachers assign homework you do it.
hagarthehorrible over 1 year ago
It is difficult to comprehend Bill. Way too smart.
desvarzil over 1 year ago
So THAT’S where Adam Savage of Mythbusters got it. “I reject your reality and substitute my own!”
rugeirn over 1 year ago
“It’s not denial.” Which is denial. Perfect.
GreggW Premium Member over 1 year ago
Sounds like a Republican.