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

The comic strip, originally published in 1997, features the main character Dilbert, a bespectacled office worker with a distinctive hairstyle, engaging in a conversation with his coworker.

Scene Overview

• Dilbert is attempting to sculpt an elephant out of a chunk of marble.
• He is struggling to create the desired shape and form.
• His coworker, sitting across from him, observes the situation with amusement.

Dialogue

• Dilbert: "I've read that it's easy to sculpt an elephant..."
• Coworker: "You just start with a chunk of marble and remove everything that doesn't look like an elephant."
• Dilbert: "Apparently, this chunk of marble didn't have an elephant in it."

Humor and Commentary

• The comic strip pokes fun at the idea of trying to create something complex from a simple starting point.
• It also highlights the challenges of artistic expression and the importance of patience and practice.
• The humor is subtle, relying on the unexpected twist at the end to create a sense of surprise and delight.
• The comic strip is a lighthearted and humorous commentary on the creative process.

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