--- Bill Watterson, in a speech to the 1990 graduating class at Kenyon College
In context
When it seemed I would be writing about "Midnite Madness Sale-abrations" for the rest of my life, a friend used to console me that cream always rises to the top. I used to think, so do people who throw themselves into the sea.
I tell you all this because it's worth recognizing that there is no such thing as an overnight success. You will do well to cultivate the resources in yourself that bring you happiness outside of success or failure. The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive. At that time, we turn around and say, yes, this is obviously where I was going all along. It's a good idea to try to enjoy the scenery on the detours, because you'll probably take a few.
For more excerpts and Watterson gems (and a few of the strips), see Maria Popova's piece "Advice on Life and Creative Integrity from Calvin and Hobbes Creator Bill Watterson" in The Marginalian (formerly Brain Pickings), via Pocket.
