What We Can Learn from Spongebob

SpongeBob Squarepants is undoubtedly the gem of the Nickelodeon network. For the past 10 years, kids and even adults have tuned in everyday to watch their favorite loveable sponge and his friends in Bikini Bottom. In the decade since his inception, SpongeBob has taught us a lot about his unique undersea world. We have learned the proper technique for jellyfishing and how to make the perfect krabby patty; but, are there more to SpongeBob than just silly antics and an innocent nature? Looking beyond all the playfulness, there is a lot we can learn from SpongeBob.

Behind the naiveté of his character, there is goodness. Most of SpongeBob's fellow aquatic inhabitants find him annoying to some degree; however, his compassion towards them is never waning. Take for instance the character of Squidward, who never fails to let SpongeBob know his dislike for him; yet, SpongeBob is always willing to come to his aid. In the episode "Can You Spare a Dime", Squidward is wrongly accused of stealing Mr. Krabs first dime; in turn, he quits his job at the Krusty Krab. Without work, Squidward becomes homeless; when SpongeBob finds him living under a box in an alley, he lets Squidward live in his home and serves him food. In a separate episode titled "F.U.N.", after the evil minded Plankton is shunned by Bikini Bottom dwellers, SpongeBob attempts to show Plankton that life is more than stealing a krabby patty. He presents a whole new world to him by showing Plankton how to have fun, and stretching out his hand in friendship. SpongeBob's compassion towards the unlovable is a great lesson on how we should treat people in life.

How could someone love working for low pay, long hours, no breaks, and a boss who is insatiable with his money? In SpongeBob's mind, none of those things seem to bother him; he loves his job at the Krusty Krab. His sole purpose for working in a place others would consider less than ideal is his passion. There are several episodes where this enthusiasm for his work is evident. While playing with Patrick in "Hooky", SpongeBob exclaims riding the hooks was more fun than double overtime at the Krusty Krab. SpongeBob takes his job as a fry cook seriously; he is never late, and puts 100% of himself into his work. SpongeBob exudes a work ethic that many people cannot appreciate; he works doing what he loves and appreciates the opportunity given to him to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a fry cook. Happiness to SpongeBob doesn't mean making a lot of money or material things; his pleasure is found in living a life doing what he genuinely likes to do.

SpongeBob can also teach us the act of selflessness. The episode "Born Again Krabs", Mr. Krabs is threatened by The Flying Dutchmen, who plans to send Krabs to Davy Jones' Locker. SpongeBob, in an act of kindness, stands up to the ghostly pirate and offers to take Mr. Krabs place instead. In "SpongeBob: The Movie", SpongeBob once again comes to the aid of Mr. Krabs, who has been frozen by King Neptune for purportedly stealing his crown. SpongeBob, with his best friend Patrick, set out on a dangerous journey to save Mr. Krabs from his final judgment by the king. Fear was never a factor; his only concern was to "get the crown, save the town, and Mr. Krabs". His selfless actions display a mentality greatly missing in what is known as the "Me" generation, where it's every man for himself.

SpongeBob is the only creature I know that can fail a driving exam hundreds of times and happily decide to keep trying. Over the past 10 years, SpongeBob has been in boating school. With each failed attempt at a boating license, he eagerly awaits his next opportunity at taking the driver's test. Giving up would be easy at this point for most; however, SpongeBob wants his license and will persist until he get it. He has a great gift for persistence, which is a great demonstration for overcoming failures that plague us all.

SpongeBob is a wonderful animated character; with his childlike personality, he brings out the best in those who closely follow him. He appeals to people with his humor, his gullibility, and his innocence; he sees the good in everyone and everything. If humankind was as compassionate, hard working, selfless, and determined as the character of SpongeBob, what a wonderful world it would be.