Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes has been around since 1985, and while there is plenty of humor to be found in this legendary comic strip, it may be even better known for its deep philosophical musings. These profound takes on life, seen through the perspective of a mischievous six-year-old boy and his sarcastic imaginary tiger, have resulted in some of the greatest quotes in comic strip history, and one in particular truly has no equal.
Calvin and Hobbes had an exemplary ten-year run, with Watterson releasing his final strip on December 31, 1995. While 1995 is notable for marking the end of the duo’s iconic run, the year is also notable because it produced Calvin and Hobbes’ greatest quote: “Nothing is permanent. Everything changes. That’s the one thing we know for sure in this world… But I’m still going to gripe about it.”
This line was delivered by Calvin in a two-panel strip that was originally published on July 17, 1995, less than six months before the comic strip’s final publication. In the strip, Calvin and Hobbes are pictured careening down a massive hill in their shared wagon. But instead of the screams of delighted terror, Calvin takes the moment to offer a profound truth about life before delivering the strip’s hilariously relatable punchline.
Calvin and Hobbes’ Greatest Quote, Explained
Calvin & Hobbes Comic Strip Published on July 17, 1995
What makes this one of the greatest quotes in Calvin and Hobbes’ history is how it balances a profound life insight with humor. The key takeaway from “Nothing is permanent. Everything changes. That’s the one thing we know for sure in this world…” is that we need to remember that nothing, good or bad, is permanent in life. While the notion that “all good things are temporary” can be somewhat distressing, it is balanced by the fact that “all bad things shall pass” as well.
This is a reminder that we should always enjoy the good things to their fullest while they last, and also seek comfort in the fact that no matter how bad life or a situation gets, it isn’t forever. So, if things are going great in your family, love life, at work, or in another area of life, show your gratitude by enjoying the moment to the fullest. Conversely, if something terrible is going on, then cling to the fact that somehow, someway, that badness will pass.
Here, we see Calvin accepting this universal fact of life that change will happen; however, he also injects another truth with his add-on, “But I’m still going to gripe about it.” Essentially, Calvin is accepting change while also acknowledging the sometimes “sucky” nature of that change. This makes the comic strip particularly relatable because, instead of offering a preachy, holier-than-thou response to change, Calvin offers one most humans can relate to.
Notable Mentions: The OTHER Best Quotes of Calvin and Hobbes
Comics Strips Created by Bill Watterson
It’s for these reasons that “Nothing is permanent. Everything changes. That’s the one thing we know for sure in this world… But I’m still going to gripe about it,” stands out as one of the best quotes in the comic strip. However, Watterson’s work is a goldmine of profound, hilarious, insightful, and everything-in-between quotes. Among these notable quotes is a conversation between Calvin and his mom, in which his mom says, “Life could be worse, Calvin,” and Calvin exclaims, “Life could be a lot better, too!”
Some other notable mentions include Calvin’s iconic, “Happiness isn’t good enough for me! I demand euphoria!” his more-than-relatable, “There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want,” and the legendary and bittersweet last line of the series, “Let’s go exploring!” Of course, what is considered the “best” and “greatest” is highly subjective, so what’s your favorite Calvin and Hobbes quote?
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Bill Watterson
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Bill Watterson