Dilbert cartoon first published on Friday 6th September 1991

Dilbert//874, first published 35 years ago on Friday 6th September 1991

Tags

dilbert read sculpt elephant start chunk marble remove everything

Official transcript

Dilbert holds a chisel and other carving tools. A block of marble sits on a stand under a picture of an elephant. Dilbert says to Dogbert who sits on a stool watching, "I've read that it's easy to sculpt an elephant . . ."

Dilbert continues, "You just start with a chunk of marble and remove everything that doesn't look like an elephant."

Later, Dilbert stares at the chips of marble that remain on the stand. Dilbert thinks, "Apparently, this chunk of marble didn't have an elephant in it."

originally published on dilbert.com

Open source transcript

I'VE READ THAT IT'S EASY TO SCULPT AN ELEPHANT...

YOU JUST START WITH A CHUNK OF MARBLE AND REMOVE EVERYTHING THAT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN ELEPHANT.

LATER APPARENTLY, THIS CHUNK OF MARBLE DIDN'T HAVE AN ELEPHANT IN IT.

collated from github.com/jvarn/dilbert-archive

AI Analysis

Comic Strip Title: "The Elephant in the Room"

Summary:

This comic strip, originally published in 1999, features Dilbert, a bespectacled man with a distinctive appearance, attempting to create an elephant sculpture using a chunk of marble. The strip is divided into three panels, each showcasing Dilbert's thought process and actions.

Panel 1:

• Dilbert is shown holding a hammer and chisel, with a small piece of marble on a stool in front of him.
• He says, "I've read that it's easy to sculpt an elephant."
• The elephant is depicted on a nearby wall, seemingly mocking Dilbert's attempt.

Panel 2:

• Dilbert begins to chisel away at the marble, saying, "You just start with a chunk of marble and remove everything that doesn't look like an elephant."
• The elephant on the wall appears to be watching him, adding to the comedic effect.

Panel 3:

• Dilbert looks at the marble and realizes, "Apparently, this chunk of marble didn't have an elephant in it."
• The elephant on the wall is now shown with a speech bubble, saying, "LATER," implying that it has been watching Dilbert's futile attempt.

Overall:

The comic strip pokes fun at the idea of trying to create something complex without proper preparation or understanding. Dilbert's determination to sculpt an elephant despite the marble not having one in it is humorous, and the elephant's sarcastic comment adds to the comedic effect. The strip's lighthearted tone and clever wordplay make it an entertaining read.

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