60 Years Later, the Best ‘Peanuts’ Quote of All Time Still Doesn’t Get the Credit it Deserves
A 1966 *Peanuts* strip gives Charlie Brown a simple defence of trying new things: “What’s the good of living if you don’t try a few things?” The article argues that the line captures his persistent hope and remains memorable advice, even though it has received less recognition than it deserves.
The strip was part of a 16 instalment spelling-bee story, in which Charlie Brown volunteers, then struggles to spell “maze”. The sequence later inspired the 1969 animated film *A Boy Named Charlie Brown*, but the quote was left out. Charles Schulz created nearly 18,000 *Peanuts* comics over 50 years.
In short
- Charlie Brown’s defence of trying still resonates.
- The quote appeared in a 1966 strip.
- It was omitted from the film adaptation.