The Office’s Kevin Malone just wanted to eat hot dogs on a beach somewhere

The Office’s Kevin Malone is one of the most underrated characters

At his core, Kevin Malone, played by Brian Baumgartner, helped us appreciate the little things on The Office.

From his humble beginnings as a man who just wanted a job working in the Dunder-Mifflin warehouse, Michael Scott took a liking to him because he saw potential in him. Almost never given any responsibility whatsoever, Kevin was still the backbone of the accountants and the backbeat of Scrantonicity, the only Pennsylvanian Police cover band that ever mattered.

Kevin Malone was the closest thing to a philosopher Dunder-Mifflin ever had

He may have had a myriad of embarrassing moments, may have said a thing or two that would not fly in an office today, but Kevin was the necessary percussionist to keep the rhythm of that office in order. Who else would shred their credit card and make salad using the shredder? A pure man of genius, blessed with an IQ of 100, that’s who!

People remember that one time he spilled a giant vat of chili on the carpet, or when he was forced to eat a raw broccoli stalk like a barnyard animal. He may have thrown out marriage proposals like a quarterback heaving a Hail Mary, but when you’re a shooter, you gotta shoot your shot. On the hardwood, behind the drum kit or in the Scranton office, Kevin did just that.

But beneath that large physique of his and underneath his male pattern baldness, Kevin was a simple genius. He was a wise sage, a Confucius hoping to save the confused from a Land of Confusion. We learned so much from him, but these three life lessons are his office legacy he is absolutely 100 percent not aware of.

“Why waste time, say lot word when few word do trick?”

I mean, if that is not the pinnacle of verbal efficiency, I do not know what to tell you. When I think of Kevin, I think of other time-saving tactics that do not involve George Foreman-grilling the hell out of your feet because you arrogantly want to wake up to the smell of bacon every morning.

“It’s just nice to win one.”

If that quote does not emancipate your soul, what will, honestly? This is the viewpoint from a simple genius who understands that living in a world where the losses tend to pile up, you have to cherish every little victory you can grasp a hold of. As a tortured Atlanta/UGA sports fan myself, this phrase resonates with me more than it should.

And for Kevin’s most indelible legacy on The Office, he painted a beautiful picture of what his ultimate life goal is: “I just want to lie on the beach and eat hot dogs. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

First off, I want to do that right now. But even if you’re not a fan of sand or cooked processed meat, everyone should have their version of the beach and hot dogs in mind.

In an increasingly complex world, Kevin was always able to find joy in the little things in life.

Watch Kevin one last time before The Office leaves Netflix.