Lessons from Calvin and Hobbes on Enjoying the Outdoors
Woods, wonder, and weird bugs
Calvin and Hobbes is generally considered one of the best newspaper comic strips of all time. My family owned the complete collection when I was growing up, and I have fond memories of reading through them. Bill Watterson’s illustrations are excellent, and he regularly touched on deep philosophical themes through the comics. Some have even gone as far as describing the strip as “great modern literature”.
The subject of nature is explored often in Calvin and Hobbes, certainly another theme that attracted me to them. The expression of wonder is much helped by Watterson’s imaginative and detailed artwork.
Calvin is a peculiar child, and there is a great mutual lack of understanding between him and the rest of society. He often seeks solace outside with Hobbes.
People can be a pain, and it’s often a relief to spend time alone outdoors without others to bother you.
On the other hand, sharing experiences can greatly heighten their joys.
The diversity to be found in nature encourages looking at things at different scales.
Seeing different perspectives tends to inspire reflection.
But being alone with our thoughts can be disquieting…
It helps if nature has some thoughts of its own to provide.
Learning about nature can add a lot to our enjoyment of it.
Some things have fun names.
Others could use some help.
Learning how to live off the land can help you feel more connected to it.
But with connection comes sorrow.
Perhaps you decide it’s time to return to society…
…and find it just the way you left it.
At least the outdoors is still there when you need it.
If you enjoyed these, there’s much more where they came from.