From 1985 to 1995, a comic strip about a 6 year old boy and his pet tiger captured the hearts of Americans. Calvin and Hobbes (Fictogram answer #370) were created by cartoonist Bill Watterson, and the comics focused on the relationships of the two main characters, their everyday philosophising, and the mischief they got up to. But did you know that Hobbes was based on 17th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, and Watterson’s cat Sprite?

Thomas Hobbes was a political philosopher, scientist, and historian. He created social contract theory, and believed that systemic political science would build more stable and productive societies. Hobbes’ philosophies inspire the worldview of the titular cartoon tiger, and play out in contrast to Calvin’s more innocent nature. Calvin himself is named after 16th century French theologian John Calvin, who developed Calvinism and was a prominent French Protestant reformer. 

The other influence behind Hobbes’ character design is Watterson’s pet cat Sprite. Sprite was a grey tabby cat. Many of Hobbes’ mannerisms and behaviours, such as his playfulness, facial expressions and intelligent and friendly demeanour were directly inspired by Sprite. Watterson described Sprite as “a sweet cat with an unnerving tendency to come out of nowhere at high speed”, much like Hobbes would pounce on Calvin when he came home from school.

Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24.

The following are the shortest paths from last week:

Play Forgeous for Nov 25