Calvin and Hobbes

Calvin and Hobbes is perhaps one of the best and most beloved comic strips of all time. Started in 1985 by Bill Watterson, the comic strip was carried by more than 2,400 at its peak in 1996. Although Watterson had considerable success with the comic strip, he eventually left the art to pursue a career in fine art. Despite the fact that Watterson no longer produces Calvin and Hobbes, it remains a favorite for many because of its sardonic wit and its unique perspective on the world.

In general, most of the action that takes place in Calvin and Hobbes focuses on the life of the strip's central character, 6-year-old Calvin. Calvin appears to come from an average home with two parents that love him. Like many children his age, Calvin has a favorite stuffed animal that he imagines is real. Hobbes, Calvin's stuffed tiger, provides the basis for Calvin's interactions in many of the strips. Hobbes is often the voice of reason at times when Calvin's ego becomes overwhelming. Although Hobbes is often unable to convince Calvin that his actions are wrong, in the end Hobbes provides the ironic banter that makes the comic strip complete.

Although Calvin and Hobbes is, for many, a comic strip to be read and enjoyed on a daily basis, one only needs to look across the broad spectrum of more than a decade worth of cartoon drawings to see that Watterson created more than just momentary instances of happiness for readers; in total, the work created by Waterson follows a general philosophy of life that could only be garnered by looking at the world though the eyes of a 6-year-old. While it is evident that in this world ego is king, it is also clear that the problems of the real world do impede on the development of Watterson's characters. In an effort to better understand Calvin and Hobbes and Watterson's overall philosophy, this brief investigation provides a broad overview of the basic tenets of the comic strip coupled with an analysis of Watterson's central characters. Through this process, it will be possible to elucidate Watterson's larger philosophy as portrayed in Calvin and Hobbes.

Reviewing the overall context of the comic strip and attempting to understand the message that is provided, one cannot help but notice the title of the strip, which also happen to be the names of the strips central characters: Calvin and Hobbes. A critical examination of the names Calvin and Hobbes reveals that John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes were the names of two notable philosophers. John Calvin is perhaps best known for his work with the Protestant Church. Although Calvin did not develop a specific vein of philosophical inquiry, he is known for his development of a strict organization of the church. This organization was predicated upon a strict reading of the scripture. Thomas Hobbes, on the other hand, is perhaps best known for his exploration of ethical egoism. In its broadest context, ethical egoism argues that the individual should make ethical decisions based on what will produce the best outcome for the individual.

When the context of the philosophical ideas of John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes are placed in the context of Watterson's characters, it becomes evident that the roles assumed by Calvin and Hobbes in the comic strip have much more meaning than just "character names." Calvin, the 6-year-old protagonist represents the ideologies of John Calvin. In most of Watterson's works, Calvin attempts to live a pure and honest life, one that is almost utopian in nature. Calvin carries with him a strong belief that if he lives a pure or right life all of the obstacles that stand in his way will vanish. Thus, even though Calvin may realize the stupidity of his actions before he undertakes them, he chooses action as an effort to live a better life. In short, both Watterson's Calvin and John Calvin both believe that something greater can be achieved through trying.

In an effort to balance the optimistic overtones espoused by Calvin, Watterson introduces the antagonist, Hobbes. Much like his name sake, Hobbes is the voice of reason, who attempts to demonstrate why specific actions or behaviors simply will not work in the real world. Although Hobbes' ideas are often overlooked by Calvin, in the end Hobbes is almost always right. As such, the grandiose ideas held by Calvin often end in disaster, with Hobbes standing by the wayside saying, "I told you so."

Clearly, when examined in terms of the philosophers for whom the characters are named for, a clear message becomes clear. Watterson consistently demonstrates how even the best intentioned ideas can end in disaster. As such, the sardonic comments made by Hobbes the stuffed tiger provide the reader with a clear example of how to live his or her life: i.e. through the application of ethical egoism. When ethical egoism is applied to the process of decision making, the end result is always on that maintains the status quo. While nothing is gained through the process, nothing is lost either. Thus, while the central character Calvin is the vehicle for developing action in the strip, it is ultimately Hobbes that provides a clear philosophy of how one should live their life.

What is perhaps most interesting about Watterson's explication of his philosophy is that he does not simply chose to promote ethical egoism directly. Rather, what he does is consistently demonstrate that, no matter what one's idealistic intentions are the end result will not be positive overall. Clearly, the attitude that altruism and optimism are wrong represents deeply seeded issues with which the strip's creator must address. In the end, the ideologies supported by Calvin are deemed inappropriate. Not because Hobbes has an overbearing impact on the outcome of the actions undertaken by Calvin but rather because Calvin fails miserably even when his heart is in the right place. As such, the ethical egoism supported by Hobbes is elucidated to be the best choice, especially when decisions are made for the greater good.

The dynamic interplay that takes place between Calvin and Hobbes is one that clearly has ramifications for understanding ethical decision making. Because the ideologies of ethical egoism are supported in this context, the reader ultimately learns that making decisions for the greater good is simply not worth the hassle. As such, the utilitarian principle of ethical decision making is simply thrown out the window in favor of a method that supports the needs of the individual. In the end, the individual comes to realize that while nothing will be gained or lost though the application of ethical egoism, the process of decision making that is used in this context is one in which the status quo will be maintained. As such, ethical egoism is the most salient means for preserving the status quo.

When examining the philosophy of Calvin and Hobbes, one could also look at the message in another way. Calvin, despite numerous failures and upsets, continues to pursue a Calvinist ideology of perfection. While Hobbes is always there to remind him of how and why he fails, Calvin pushes ahead, regardless of the consequences. This unbridled determination that exists across the continuum of Watterson's works could easily be seen as sending a more positive message with respect to ethical decision making. Although it is evident that Calvin will more than likely fail at his endeavors, he pushes the reader to look beyond the cynicism of the world to seek a higher state of perfection. This vision is one that should inspire the reader.

Thus, the specific context in which the reader chooses to approach the comic strip will have some bearing on the message that will be garnered. Interestingly however, it is difficult to know for sure which philosophy the creator supports. In the end, the reader takes from the strip what he or she wants to believe.