In 1970, a 10-year-old Peanuts reader named Joel Lipton reached out to the comic strip’s creator, Charles M. Schulz, with a simple yet profound question: “What do you think makes a good citizen?” This inquiry came at a time when many, especially the younger generation, were searching for guidance and role models in a world filled with uncertainty.
Recently, that letter resurfaced, and Jean Schulz, Charles Schulz’s widow, reflected on it with a sense of amazement. She noted that the response Schulz penned back then must have surprised young Joel Lipton, not only for its thoughtful clarity but also for how strikingly relevant it remains today. Though written over five decades ago, the cartoonist’s words continue to resonate, offering wisdom that transcends time. It’s almost as if Schulz, with his characteristic insight and humanity, is still speaking to us from beyond the grave, reminding us of the enduring principles of good citizenship and moral leadership.
We contacted the author, Joel Lipton, whose sister had posted the letter on Facebook. Joel said that he wrote the letter to Mr. Schulz when he was 10 years old in 5th grade. It was 1970, and his memory of the assignment was for the students to write a letter to someone they admired and ask the question, “What do you think makes a good citizen?”.
The letter turned up recently, and the answer must have startled Mr. Lipton by how appropriate the answer would be if written today.
“I always saw Sparky as a great believer in the long flow of history — that the people of the world had seen improvements over the centuries, and that, as he says in his letter, “our greatest strength lies always in the protection of our smallest minorities.” –Jean Schulz
Dear Joel:
I think it is more difficult these days to define what makes a good citizen then it has ever been before. Certainly, all any of us can do is follow our own conscience and retain faith in our democracy. Sometimes it is the very people who cry out the loudest in favor of getting back to what they call “American Virtues” who lack this faith in our country. I believe that our greatest strength lies always in the protection of our smallest minorities.
Sincerely yours,
Charles M. Schulz