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.
Explained simply
Peanuts is a comic strip created by American cartoonist Charles Schulz, centred on Charlie Brown and a group of children. Schulz drew nearly 18,000 strips over about 50 years, and the characters also appeared in television programmes and films.
In a 1966 story told across 16 instalments, Charlie Brown volunteers for a spelling bee but struggles to spell “maze”. The sequence later provided material for the 1969 animated film A Boy Named Charlie Brown, though the film did not include the line about trying new things.
Charlie Brown is often portrayed as anxious and prone to setbacks, but he keeps taking part despite them. That contrast helps explain why readers may find his defence of trying new things memorable.