Ron Swanson Appreciation Day

The town of Pawnee, Indiana has been a place that Parks and Recreation fans has loved seeing for seven seasons now. Now that the show has aired its final episode, many fans are taking time to reflect on the past few seasons. Quite possibly one of the characters fans have taken to heart the most is the loveable curmudgeon Ron Swanson. Ron is a man who knows what he believes in and sticks to it in a way that many can not. His beliefs from how government should be handled, how wood should be carved, and how meat should be consumed, all reflect the manliest ideals of the most American citizen. What endears him to so many, despite his rough exterior, is his love for his friends. He cares as much about his beliefs as he does his loved ones, always doing the right thing and helping them when they’re down. As a farewell to this loveable man, we present a list of his ten most memorable quotes: A testament to the American hero that is Ron Swanson on this, That’s Normal declared Ron Swanson Appreciation Day.

 Top 10 Ron Swanson Quotes

“I’m a simple man. I like pretty, dark-haired women and breakfast food.” – Season 2/Episode 8: “Ron and Tammy”.

This episode we’re first introduced to Ron’s ex-wives, particularly the now infamous and mentally instable Tammy Two played by Nick Offerman’s real life wife: Megan Mullally, (best known as the outrageous Karen from Will & Grace).

 

“Fishing relaxes me. It’s like yoga except I still get to kill something.” – Season 2/Episode 10: “Hunting Trip”.

Leslie tries to prove she can hang as one of the boys and invites herself on Ron’s annual hunting trip. Ron isn’t very pleased but still manages to relax with one of his favorite past times.

“Give me all the bacon and eggs you have.” – Season 3/Episode 6: “Indianapolis”.

When the gang is invited to Indianapolis to meet the Colts, Ron uses the opportunity to partake in all the best restaurants the city has to offer. However, when a diner serves him a measly steak that isn’t up to his standards, he sends it back and asks for something a bit more filling.

 

“There’s only one thing I hate more than lying. Skim milk. Which is water. That’s lying about being milk.” – Season 5/Episode 17: “Partridge”.

When Councilman Jamm sues Ron for punching him at Leslie’s wedding, April and Andy are called to testify in his defense. While everything they say makes Ron look good, it’s nothing but lies, and Ron isn’t a fan of such things.

“When people get too chummy with me I like to call them by the wrong name to let them know I don’t really care about them.” – Season 4/Episode 3: “Born and Raised”.

When Ann tries to become closer friends with Ron and April, Ron doesn’t want any part of it and offers his philosophy on how to deflect people who are too friendly for his liking.

 

“Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?” – Season 7 Episode 4: “Ron and Leslie”.

After reconciling over the dreaded Morningstar incident, Ron and Leslie decide to go out for Breakfast. This is a touching reference to Leslie’s same quote to Ron from Season 2.

 

“Birthdays were invented by Hallmark to sell cards.” – Season 3/Episode 12: “Eagleton”.

One of Ron’s most well kept secrets is when his birthday is. So when Leslie finally discovers it, he tries everything in his power to avoid her for fear of what she has planned.

“When I eat, it is the food that is scared.” – Season 4/Episode 13: “Bowling for Votes.”

Leslie has decided to hold a get together at the local bowling alley to help garner more support for her councilwoman campaign. When Ann asks Ron why the bowling alley is one of his favorite places to eat, as the food is a bit scary to look at, he gives her a classic response.

 

“Friends: one to three is sufficient.” – This is one of the many tenants from the “Swanson, Pyramid of Greatness” – Season 3/Episode 8: “Camping”.

The “Swanson Pyramid of Greatness” is a multi-tiered layout of everything that Ron believes every man should adhere to. From when crying is acceptable to what meats are best, a true Swanson-phile will know this pyramid by heart and abide by it.

“You had me at meat tornado.” – Season 3/Episode 2: “The Flu”.

Andy and Ron are talking about places to eat for lunch when Andy mentions a restaurant called “Big Head Joe’s” where an a burrito on their menu is called “The Meat Tornado.” Ron immediately falls in love and never looks back.

 

These are just a small selection of the many words of wisdom imparted by Ron over the seven seasons we’ve spent with him. If you’re feeling particularly nostalgic, you can easily fight back the tears and rewatch some of Ron’s greatest hits through platforms like iTunes or DTV or read Nick Offerman’s fantastically hilarious book Paddle Your Own Canoe.

The world will truly be a darker place without Mr. Swanson and his hilarious friends to keep us company . Ron has left a huge mark on pop culture during his time but he would probably be annoyed by that, refusing to be accepted by anything with the words “pop” or “culture” in them. You will be missed Ron Swanson, we shall enjoy a Meat Tornado in your honor.

 What is your favorite Ron Swanson quote or moment?

Written by Maria

Maria is a writer interested in comic books, cycling, and horror films. Her hobbies include cooking, doodling, and finding local shops around the city. She currently lives in Chicago with her two pet turtles, Franklin and Roy. You can follow her on Twitter @MariaRamos1889