I’m a pseudo believer in the “personal devil” concept: When we’re born, we’re issued a personal devil whose job is to upset your plans. This is why we invoke the kindly spirit of the tree by “knocking wood” whenever we make the mistake of mentioning that we expect a good outcome.
I disagree. Life is good especially if you have a little perspective. Sure I’ve got problems but they pale in comparison to the problems of many. And, it could be worse. I could be stupid and ugly too.
Back in the Dark Ages (my college days), a literature professor of mine once opined that in all of literature there were only two plots; Death and Sex (albeit, he conceded, perhaps in the metaphorical sense). In an essay, we were asked to support or contradict that viewpoint. I wrote that in literature, such could in fact be the case; but in real life, my opinion was there was far too much of the former and much too little of the latter. The professor was a good sport; he didn’t flunk me. (And this was pre-Covid, pre-HIV, and for most folks today, pre-History.)
SOmetimes it is hard to tell when we are plotting against ourselves and life is just responding, and when life is plotting against us and we have to fight back.
BE THIS GUY over 3 years ago
I think Rat’s got it right this time.
Arbitrary over 3 years ago
“I’m stressed”
-You should relax
“Oh I never thought of that. Maybe you should tell the starving guy over there to just eat a sandwich and solve all his problems!”
BasilBruce over 3 years ago
Cue the theme from Jaws.
Valence (UwU) ✔️ over 3 years ago
It definitely plots alright.
Concretionist over 3 years ago
I’m a pseudo believer in the “personal devil” concept: When we’re born, we’re issued a personal devil whose job is to upset your plans. This is why we invoke the kindly spirit of the tree by “knocking wood” whenever we make the mistake of mentioning that we expect a good outcome.
mattro65 over 3 years ago
I disagree. Life is good especially if you have a little perspective. Sure I’ve got problems but they pale in comparison to the problems of many. And, it could be worse. I could be stupid and ugly too.
ChristineFoxdale over 3 years ago
“ Life double crosses with style
Forcing you into a smile
So it can kick you in the teeth… "
’Funny.." City of Angels
Rat has this one entirely too correct.
Ratkin over 3 years ago
Man plans, God laughs.
Gent over 3 years ago
Life doesn’t plot against you. People do.
Robin Harwood over 3 years ago
Rat has got this one right.
nosirrom over 3 years ago
The ultimate conspiracy theory – Life.
cracker65 over 3 years ago
Goat needs to go listen to Ironic by Alanis Moreset.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 3 years ago
If Rat keeps hammering this theme, Goat is gonna plotz.
blunebottle over 3 years ago
Oh, yes it does, Goat.
DennisinSeattle Premium Member over 3 years ago
Panel 3 should be a mug or a tee shirt.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member over 3 years ago
It’s going to win one day, too.
iggyman over 3 years ago
Ask Sisyphus!
iggyman over 3 years ago
Rats expression last panel!
scote1379 Premium Member over 3 years ago
Rat; I’m Paranoid, But am I Paranoid enough ?
Caldonia over 3 years ago
Sounds like paranoid delusions are next for him. Have many prescribed drugs, dude!
Procat Premium Member over 3 years ago
Goat should tell tRump that.
James Wolfenstein over 3 years ago
Yes, it does!
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
Anticipation, plotting, anxiety,…..how about a beer, RAT?
SusieB over 3 years ago
I’ve often felt the universe is against me. However by now I’m used to it and definitely don’t stress about it like I used to when I was younger.
Chris over 3 years ago
yes, I’m sure it does…
Ellis97 over 3 years ago
You’re not wrong about that.
favm over 3 years ago
Rat, with the year we have had, I have to agree.
favm over 3 years ago
Rat, with the year we have had, I have to agree.
We has seen the enemy over 3 years ago
Careful Rat or you’ll plotz!
Mando over 3 years ago
@#$% You life.
Ralph Newbill over 3 years ago
Life is out to get you.., and sooner or later it shall!
TopGunner over 3 years ago
My favorite characters in Pearls Before Swine are the alligators! I vote for more alligator strips going forward!
Willywise52 Premium Member over 3 years ago
LOTS!
rickseg over 3 years ago
As Marvin says, “Life! Don’t talk to me about life . . .”
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 3 years ago
It’s not paranoia if they’re really after you.
hoffquotes2 over 3 years ago
Sounds like a line right out of a Seinfeld episode
smoore47 over 3 years ago
John Lennon dead 40 years ago today. “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
Bookworm over 3 years ago
Back in the Dark Ages (my college days), a literature professor of mine once opined that in all of literature there were only two plots; Death and Sex (albeit, he conceded, perhaps in the metaphorical sense). In an essay, we were asked to support or contradict that viewpoint. I wrote that in literature, such could in fact be the case; but in real life, my opinion was there was far too much of the former and much too little of the latter. The professor was a good sport; he didn’t flunk me. (And this was pre-Covid, pre-HIV, and for most folks today, pre-History.)
joefearsnothing over 3 years ago
Rat, in panel three, reminds me of Kramer on the Seinfeld show! ;o)
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
We are tired of relaxing…..
COL Crash over 3 years ago
It’s not Life that’s plotting against you Rat. It’s the Environment in which you live that’s trying to kill you.
DCBakerEsq over 3 years ago
Never let your guard down. Or your trousers in public.
aerotica69 over 3 years ago
Oh yes, Life definitely plots against us.
Perkycat over 3 years ago
I want to ‘Like’ this one over and over and over again!
DondiDoo over 3 years ago
Life is what happens when your busy making other plans
Troglodyte over 3 years ago
Rat, just give that stress to others…you will be relieved, and also appreciate the joy of “giving” at the same time! :D
zeexenon over 3 years ago
Remove all people, and eliminate the biggest risk.
backyardcowboy over 3 years ago
Rat, your biggest worry should be Stephan. He’s the one who comes up with all your plots.
Thinkingblade over 3 years ago
SOmetimes it is hard to tell when we are plotting against ourselves and life is just responding, and when life is plotting against us and we have to fight back.
B.comics.61 over 3 years ago
I’m with Rat.
Buoy over 3 years ago
Not to get all pop-psycho on Y’all, but it really is a choice; you can plot with it, or struggle against it.
bikedudepat over 3 years ago
Reminds me of a John Lennon lyric
bunrabbit99 over 3 years ago
nailed it, rat!
John-117 over 3 years ago
I am with rat. “Oh Yes It Does!”
Daeder over 3 years ago
“Life plots all over me!”
willie_mctell over 3 years ago
Does too.
TrudyQ Premium Member over 3 years ago
And that’s what beer is for
Sisyphos over 3 years ago
Life Plots!
That particular headline is true. Life is a comedy, and we are the butt of its jokes….