Why "Write about dogs!" is the greatest cartoon ever created and what we can learn from its simple brilliance.

George Booth was a prolific New Yorker cartoonist who left us far too soon when he passed away in 2022 at 96. He wrote and drew the single greatest cartoon in history.

It is perfect.

We can learn a great deal about effective, concise communication of an idea by understanding why this deceptively simple bit of art is so beautiful.

George Booth / The New Yorker

TRUTH

This cartoon is brimming to overflowing with insight into the human condition. Everyone seems to want to be a novelist, it's a romantic notion, but what to write about can be elusive when sitting at the keyboard.

The guy in the cartoon has obviously been stuck, yet inspiration appears to be all around him.

She's obviously had enough of his pipe dream yet she still has an idea to support him. Her suggestion seems like a good one. His posture (arms folded) seems defiant. There's conflict in this image, yet there is something about the characters that leaves you feeling they care about each other.

It feels like a real relationship that's been decades in the making. These two are in it together even though they've made some bad decisions in life, like owning 40 dogs.

It's a hilarious presentation, but at the heart of it is truth. I know that's been a buzzword for a while now. Being "genuine" too. The fact remains, if you present an idea that has truth at its foundation you stand a good chance of having people listen.

TIMING

Successful single panel cartoons work because the creator chooses the precise moment in the story for maximum impact. Take in how much back story this cartoon is loaded with. Yet the reader is given credit for filling it in themselves, and we do, in an instant.

When you're communicating an idea, figure out the best place to start. Whether it's a big presentation or a job interview find the sweet spot and build from there.

SIMPLICITY

I defy anyone to create a better cartoon let alone using only three words in the caption. Breathtakingly simple.

CRAFT

The artistic skill here comes from years of honing a specific style. His knowledge and application of proper composition brings the reader's eye through the art and focuses on the right things at the right time. All this to say, there is no replacement for experience. Booth figured it out and dedicated his career to developing a style that was uniquely his. 10,000 hours and all that.