Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, died at 68, prompting reflection on his comic's lasting impact. The strip became a voice for disillusioned workers, capturing the absurdity of corporate life through characters like the clueless Pointy-Haired Boss and cynical Dogbert.

Dilbert spoke to a generation skeptical of workplace culture, where effort rarely led to reward. Scott Alexander, a longtime reader, argues the comic articulated a deeper nerd frustration: being smart but trapped in systems that rewarded mediocrity and empty charisma over skill or integrity.

As workplace norms evolve, especially among younger professionals and in Silicon Valley, the old Dilbert cynicism feels less relevant. Hustle culture and purpose-driven work have replaced ironic detachment. Yet Dilbert’s core insight remains: many still feel stuck in unproductive systems that value image over impact.