Think Outside the Box - But What About Circles? Cartoon Humor #1850993 (License: Personal Use)

This 2006 cartoon by Randy Glasbergen features a wide-eyed man submerged in blue water, mentally overwhelmed by a thought bubble declaring his inability to handle circular problems despite being trained for “outside-the-box” thinking. The image uses visual metaphor and irony to critique rigid educational or corporate frameworks that oversimplify innovation. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatability across creative, tech, and management fields.

Commonly used in presentations, blog posts, or social media about creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, or workplace culture; targets professionals seeking humor that underscores real cognitive biases or systemic limitations.