The 21 Most Important Life Lessons We've Learned From Parks and Recreation

Kaitlin Thomas
Updated

Every thing I know about life, I learned from watching Parks and Recreation. Well, all of the important things, anyway, like that there has never been a sadness that can't be cured by breakfast food, and love fades away, but things are forever.

Unfortunately, on Tuesday night, the goodhearted people of Pawnee will leave US forever after seven hilarious, emotional, life-changing seasons. From Ron Swanson's Pyramid of Greatness to the adventures of Burt Macklin to Leslie Knope's inspiring optimism, the show was a fountain of knowledge and a never-ending supply of laughs. And I'm going to miss it when it's gone. There will never be another show like it, so let's take a minute to appreciate a few of the greatest lessons the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department taught us over the years.


1. Exercise is not worth it


I know it keeps you healthy, but God, at what cost?!


2. Any dog under 50 pounds is a cat

And cats are useless.


3. You should always keep emergency s'mores rations in your car

This practice might actually be Leslie Knope's greatest legacy.


4. Clear alcohols are for rich women on diets

The truth stings, don't it?


5. Everyone has gay thoughts


Ben Wyatt: Human Disaster


6. Calzones are just pizza that's harder to eat

And they WILL betray you.


7. The power of positive thinking is no match for the flu

Not even if you look like Rob Lowe.


8. Don't overthink things

"I seriously cannot emphasize how little we thought about this."


9. The most important things in life are friends, waffles, and work

Or waffles, friends, and work. It doesn't matter. But work is third.


10. Germany have never been the bad guys*

Iceland on the other hand: HORRIBLE.

*Incorrect.


11. Time is money, money is power, power is pizza, and pizza is knowledge

It's science.


12. You should always party like you're at the Snake Hole Lounge


Snake Juice/rat poison for everyone!


13. Sometimes you gotta work a little...

...so you can ball a lot.


14. Game of Thrones is not just for fantasy enthusiasts

It's telling human stories in a fantasy world!


15. Leslie's version of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" is way better than the original


Sounds right to me.


16. The new Star Wars film is going to be THE BOMB


Orrrr a total mess. Let's go with bomb, though.


17. When life gives you lemons, sell some of your grandma's jewelry and go clubbin'

You know, on second thought, maybe it's best to ignore everything Jean-Ralphio says.


18. Be proud of where you came from

Even if you're first in friendship and fourth in obesity. Even if you're the Akron of Southwest Indiana. Even if you're the home of the world-famous Julia Roberts lawsuit. Love it. Embrace it. Because at least it's not Eagleton, am I right?


19. Always whole-ass whatever you're working on

The best piece of advice anyone's ever given us.


20. Treat yo'self (at least) one day a year


You're awesome! You deserve it! Treat yo'self will be Parks and Recreation's most enduring legacy.


21. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a Leslie Knope in their lives

I love you and I like you, Parks and Recreation.


What did YOU learn from Parks and Recreation's seven great seasons?