I Want My Life to Have Meaning . . .

Matt Groening is one of the wisest billionaire cartoonists in the business, even though his business these days probably precludes any cartooning time (sadly, he did retire recently from Life in Hell).

His wisdom and humanity shines through every Life in Hell page, bless his heart, and he still hasn't invited my little family over for dinner. But, Matt, I'm inviting you to either brunch, lunch or tea, my treat. I'd love to render a portrait of you and talk about life in hell.

Really, email me.

© 1989 Matt Groening — Life in Hell — 10-13-89

Look to the Cartoonists

It's been kind of a rough week here at Lake Woebegon — troubles and tough situations for family and friends.

When you're feeling down and blue, look to the cartoonists for wisdom:

Robert Crumb — Singin' in the Bathtub — 1996

True Leisure and Its Joys

This ink drawing, a translation of the painting, is from a 1930s volume of A Picturesque Tale of Progress.

I've directly quoted the image's caption below, tremendous words of wisdom that we all should take very seriously.

Cultured Chinese Enjoying the Beauties of Winter

(based on a painting at Kyoto)

The proper use of leisure is something that the Western World has never understood. Even in his hours of freedom, the European and American is essentially materialistic, rushing madly from business to social event and strenuous physical activity, then back again, ever tense, ever hurried, ever moving. He knows little of the Easterner's delight in true leisure and its joys—peace, tranquility, vision, serenity, insight, repose and deep feelings richly savored.

The Seven Ages of Man

Great cartoons reveal great truths.

Excuse me, I need to blow my nose.