peanuts – My Geek Wisdom

“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.”

From: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Linus Van Pelt

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Shultz, this classic cartoon Christmas special focuses on Charlie Brown trying to deal with his feelings of depression despite it supposed to be the happiest time of the year.

The quote comes near the end of the special. Charlie Brown tries to decorate the skinny tree he got but, because of how heavy the ornament is, the tree bends. Charlie Brown walks away, thinking he killed the tree. The rest of the Peanuts gang then gather around the tree, with Linus Van Pelt looking at the tree and delivering the quote before the group starts decorating the tree themselves.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, even the most difficult people just need a little bit of love and care in order for them to do better. You may just need to put a little more effort in people in general instead of just giving up on them.

“I love mankind… It’s people I can’t stand!”

From: Peanuts

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Linus Van Pelt

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very popular Peanuts comic strip. Created by Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts featured a huge cast of characters, including the born loser Charlie Brown, the enigmatic beagle named Snoopy, the Beethoven loving Schroeder, the ever crabby Lucy Van Pelt and her brother, the security blanket carrying Linus. The last two just so happen to be the topic of today.

The quote comes from a storyline wherein Linus proclaims he wants to be a doctor when he grows up. Lucy then scoffs at the idea because she believes her brother doesn’t love mankind. This is when Linus gives the quote as a retort.

I love Mankind

Geek wisdom: The idea of people and humanity as a whole is very idyllic and we want to believe we all will do things for the greater good. Unfortunately, there will always be people who will be selfish and only care for themselves. It’s easy to love humanity as a whole but there are always going to be individuals you can’t help but dislike.

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”

From: Peanuts

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: Lucy Van Pelt and the rest of the Peanuts gang

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from one of the most celebrated newspaper comics of all time, Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. The strip generally focuses on a neighborhood of kids with very distinct personalities. The strip did evolve quite a bit from being extremely simple gags to having some really long stories.

The quote has actually become a slogan for the entire Peanuts gang. But the first time it was uttered in the strip comes from one particular early comic. Lucy, the neighborhood “crabby” person, sees Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s dog, and pets him. She then bends down to give the dog a hug before delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Some of the most simple joys in life are free. People tend to forget this and try to fill their lives with material objects that may give them temporary happiness but these things aren’t exactly fulfilling. Try to find something simple and pure that give you joy.

“…Stop calling me ‘Sir’.”

From: Peanuts

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: “Peppermint” Patty

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the very popular Peanuts comic strip. Created by Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts featured a huge cast of characters, but most of the time, it revolves around the down on his luck, Charlie Brown. While most of the kids appear to pick on him for various reasons, he does have a few friends and admirers. Two of them happen to be “Peppermint” Patty, a tomboyish girl who loves sports, and Marcie, “Peppermint” Patty’s bookish and “dorky” best friend/sidekick.

The quote has actually become a sort of catchphrase for “Peppermint” Patty as she has to keep on repeating it to Marcie, who can’t seem to help herself… even after Patty’s numerous requests to stop.

Geek wisdom: It’s okay to show your respect to people by using an honorific title, such as “sir” or “ma’am.” However, there are going to be people that don’t like this and prefer that you use their name. While it may seem impolite not to use “sir,” “ma’am,” or other honorific title, it’s more disrespectful to not honor their request.