🍿 Pinky and The Brain and The Meaning of Life
Two lab mice and the profound allegory about life, purpose, and the nature of happiness.
Pinky: "Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"
Brain: "The same thing we do every night, Pinky—try to take over the world!"
Disclaimer: I am going to share with you the meaning of life… no, seriously, I am. I just wanted to say that I bet you never thought you would find it within an article about two lab mice posted on some random Friday morning!
So, what are the chances that this time, you’re pondering what I’m pondering?
Pinky and The Brain is the last cartoon of my youth that I truly adore. The cartoon, which first aired in 1995 as a spin-off from "Animaniacs," follows the nightly adventures of two laboratory mice: the genius Brain and his dim-witted but lovable companion, Pinky. Their mission? "Try to take over the world!"
I turned 18 in 1995 and I was still into watching cartoons now an then, but they had to be a little more serious. I remember that I was into Batman: The Animated Series, X-Men: The Animated Series, and Gargoyles.
In the realm of animated television, it was probably unlikely that I would watch a cartoon about a pair of lab mice, but Pinky and The Brain was more than a cartoon. It absolutely captured my imagination and made me think… and laugh, a lot.
You see, beneath the surface of this seemingly simple premise lies a profound allegory about life, purpose, and the nature of happiness.
The Nightly Ritual: A Reflection of Human Existence
Every episode begins with the same exchange:
Pinky: "Gee, Brain, what do you want to do tonight?"
Brain: "The same thing we do every night, Pinky—try to take over the world!"
This repetitive cycle mirrors our own daily lives. We wake up, go to work, pursue our goals, and then start over again the next day. Like Brain, many of us have grand ambitions—our own versions of "taking over the world." But is this relentless pursuit of an elusive goal truly the key to fulfillment?
The Contrast: Brain's Ambition vs. Pinky's Contentment
Brain, with his oversized head and Napoleon complex, represents the part of us that's always striving for more. He's never satisfied, always plotting and scheming. In contrast, Pinky—despite his apparent foolishness—finds joy in the simplest things. He's content with their life in the lab, cherishing his friendship with Brain above all else.
This dichotomy raises a crucial question: Is it better to constantly chase grand ambitions, or to find happiness in our current circumstances and relationships?
The Futility of World Domination
Despite Brain's brilliance, his plans invariably fail. This recurring failure serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously crafted plans can go awry. It challenges us to consider whether our own grand ambitions are truly worth the constant struggle and potential disappointment.
A short time ago I hatched what I thought to be the perfect plan to create a virtual event that was going to bring the entire nostalgia community together. I worked on every detail, produced the copy, created the graphics, built out two websites, and performed hours of research on the best platform to use. I even spoke to the VP of sales of two of the leading virtual event companies out there. All in all, I think I spent five hundred hours on this plan. Eventually, I learned that the cost to run the event how I envisioned it was going to cost so much that the numbers did not compute, and that most of the platforms could not execute certain requirements I needed without adding more billable hours to create the features. I scrapped it. For now, that is!
Tom Ruegger, the series creator once said in an interview: "The Brain's plans are doomed to fail because world domination isn't really the point. The point is the friendship between these two characters."
The True Meaning: Friendship and Connection
Throughout their misadventures, one thing remains constant: Pinky and Brain's unwavering friendship. Despite their differences and Brain's often harsh treatment of Pinky, they stick together through thick and thin. This loyalty and companionship form the emotional core of the show.
In a poignant moment from the episode "Welcome to the Jungle," Brain admits:
"Pinky, I've come to realize that my life would be empty without you. You are my best friend."
So friends, I promised you the meaning of life. Here it is:
Brain’s revelation underscores the series' ultimate message: true fulfillment comes not from achieving grandiose goals, but from the relationships we forge along the way. And I can’t give Brain all the credit. Pinky demonstrates what it means to be there for the people we love through thick and thin, even if they are abrasive, short tempered, and self centered at times. Ultimately, the two demonstrate service to one another. I promise you that happiness is being in good fellowship with the ones you love.
While having goals and ambitions is important, true fulfillment comes from the connections we make and maintain along the way. Remember that sometimes, the most meaningful victories are the smallest ones we share with those closest to us.
And always remember what Pinky says: "Narf! Sometimes you just gotta stop and smell the flowers, Brain!"
More Life Lessons from Pinky and The Brain
1. Persistence is admirable, but flexibility is crucial: Brain never gives up, which is commendable. However, his inability to adapt often leads to his downfall.
2. Intelligence isn't everything: Despite Brain's genius, it's often Pinky's simple observations or accidental interventions that save the day.
3. Find joy in the journey: Pinky's ability to find happiness in their nightly adventures, regardless of the outcome, is a valuable lesson in living in the moment.
4. Friendship trumps ambition: The show consistently reinforces that their friendship is more valuable than any world domination scheme.
Of course, I have to give you some show trivia!
1. The characters were inspired by two animators at the Warner Bros. studio. Brain was based on Tom Minton, known for his seriousness, while Pinky was inspired by Eddie Fitzgerald, known for his zany personality.
2. Pinky's catchphrase "Narf!" doesn't actually mean anything. It was created as a nonsense word by voice actor Rob Paulsen.
3. In the Japanese dub of the show, Pinky and The Brain were voiced by the same actors who dubbed Penny and Inspector Gadget, creating an interesting parallel between the two pairs.
4. The show won several Daytime Emmy Awards, including "Outstanding Animated Program" in 1999.
The Umbrella Academy | Final Season | Official Trailer | Netflix
Tell me what you think after watching the trailer!
I liked the first season, enjoyed the second season, thought the third season was a cluster— I’m hoping the fourth season can close this series down respectable like. August 8 on Netflix. Any Umbrella Academy fans?
I’ve had the entre series in comic book format ever since the series was released back in 2007. It amazes me that just a little after ten years the comic was turned into a live action tv series!
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Love this analysis, there's so much to it! Having intellect means possibly falling into the trap that intellect is enough or somehow superior to relationships. Spot on, man!