34 Years Later, the Best-Ever ‘Far Side’ Quote Will Still Leave You Speechless

The article argues that Gary Larson’s best “Far Side” quote works because it delivers a joke without relying on the cartoon’s visual. After considering more philosophical or inspirational lines, the writer concludes that Larson’s strength was sharp, often dark humour rather than lofty reflection.

The chosen caption, from a 1992 comic, asks: “If a tree falls in the forest and no one’s around, and it hits a mime, does anyone care?” The writer says it captures Larson’s mix of silliness and macabre humour, while making the punchline clear on its own. An earlier contender, “Welcome to hell… here’s your accordion,” was set aside because its joke depends more heavily on the image.