Timeless Insights from a “Charles Schultz Quiz”
I see it pop up in my social media feeds periodically. For good reason, too. It’s one of those quizzes that causes you to pause for just a second and reflect.
It’s usually circulated as “The Charles Schulz Philosophy”. Charles Schulz, of course, was the creator of the comic “Peanuts,” filled with memorable characters like Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, and Snoopy. It was one of the most influential comics of all time.
But the quiz usually attributed to Charles Schulz was not written by him. Snopes clarified that Schulz wasn’t the author.
And so the quiz is by an unknown author, but its impact is still profound.
Take this Quiz
- Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
- Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
- Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
- Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
- Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
- Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
Challenging? Absolutely.
Now, reflect on these questions:
- List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
- Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
- Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
- Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
- Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
This feels different, doesn’t it?
Consider the leaders who truly inspire. They’re the ones who have touched us along the way. While the quiz may not have been written by Schulz’s pen, its message is crystal clear. It calls on us to focus on what truly matters: relationships, mentorship, and kindness.
The contrast between the two sets of questions teaches us something critical about leadership and value. The first set, filled with high achievers and household names…glorifies wealth, beauty, and instant recognition. But these names often fade into the background of our collective memory. I’ve tested this out. As I talk to people just entering the workforce, I may mention stories of famous people. Many of the household names become virtually unknown to the next generation. (It’s jarring when this first happens to you, and you realize why!)
Make an Impact
But the second set of questions brings forward those who have had a real and personal impact on our lives. The teachers who stayed late to help us understand a complex topic. Friends who showed up during times of need without a second thought. The person who is always in our lives with a word of encouragement. These are the people who leave a lasting imprint.
Leadership Reflection
Reflect on this as a leader. Your actions, your empathy, your ability to make someone feel seen, are what will be remembered. It’s about the legacy of your interactions, not the list of your accomplishments.
In your life journey, aim to be like those remembered fondly in the second quiz. Be the person who supports, encourages, and elevates others. That’s the kind of leader who leaves a mark that no accomplishment rivals.
The author of this quiz may be unknown, but the lesson is universally known: Invest in people. They are the true measure of our wealth.
The worth of your leadership is not just what you achieve, but who you lift up in the process. That’s a truth worth spreading…no matter who first wrote it down.
Image Credit: Sandy $avaloniaina
