Funny Life Lessons

Cartoons in the newspaper funnies are not just merely entertainment. They are also often exercises in modern philosophy. We like a cartoon not only because it is funny, but because it touches something in us, making us think “That’s so true”. It makes us smile and it makes us reflect on our human condition.

Here are two examples that I found in my readings this week (from June’s newspapers — yes, I know, I’m late in my readings):

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The “CrankShaft” story (titled “The Good Old Days, Getting Old Days”) reminds me in a funny way that I am getting old and nostalgic. Each day brings new pains and I cannot do as much as I did before, besides just getting older each day. And it’s only now that we realize how good we had it when we were young, without ever being conscious of how lucky we were. Carpe Diem ! Live in the present and enjoy every moment of it !

©2026 Mark Parisi Dist by Andrews McMeel

The “Off The Mark” story reminds us that the best cure to feeling down is to go out and exercise, surrounded by the beauty of nature. However, if we want to keep being able to make those regenerative walks, we have to take good care of our natural environment (Please Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — also keep the park clean!). Sitting inside and staring at your phone is the worse thing you can do for your health. Believe me, there is nothing like a good walk in the park, looking at greenery, flowers, birds and other creatures!

Keep reading (even cartoons!) and keep learning. That’s the only way to constantly improve yourself. Ja ne !