The first person I texted after death touched my life as a father was Scott Adams — my “Internet Dad.” At that time, Scott only knew me as the ghostwriting and book publishing guy from Ohio, whom he cured of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

From that afternoon on, I believe Scott knew me as a case study. Because of the Grief Reframe, he texted me to help me work through my profound loss, which later appeared in Reframe Your Brain (2023), Chapter 3.

When you experience the death of a loved one, your instincts push you into feeling tragedy, loss, and pain. Once you have had enough of that, and when you are ready, start tossing these five words around to release some of the pain: Gratitude. Respect. Honor. Privilege. Service.

Scott was right.

Thank you, Scott.

On Monday, May 19th, 2025, on Episode 2844 of "Coffee With Scott Adams", the "Dilbert" creator, New York Times bestselling author, and most influential personal development writer of all time — Scott Adams — shared his diagnosis with the world:

"Some of you have already guessed, so this won’t surprise you at all, but I have the same cancer that Joe Biden has. So, I also have prostate cancer that has spread to my bones. But I’ve had it longer than he’s had it—well, longer than he’s admitted having it. So, my life expectancy is maybe this summer. I expect to be checking out of this domain sometime this summer," he said.

"Everybody has to die, as far as I know. And it’s kind of civilized that you know how long you have, so you can put your affairs together and ensure you’ve said your goodbyes and done everything you need to do."

The news hit the World Wide Web hard. Everyone’s phones were blowing up. Grown men are bawling their eyes out in public. The reaction makes sense; Scott is the original Internet Dad — he is the man who has been a father figure in so many ways to so many millions of us. Scott, through his books, comics, speeches, and daily livestreams, has helped countless individuals in America and around the world. It’s not unreasonable to estimate that Scott Adams has impacted billions. For almost four decades, Scott has taught us how to:

So, we will wish Scott Adams the best, pray for him, and give him space, peace, and support.

And we will show him gratitude, respect, and honor. It’s been the privilege of our generation to witness Scott’s once-in-a-civilization service to all mankind.

I, for one, count Scott Adams as more than a client but a friend. He was there for me when few others were or even knew how to be. Scott is there for all of us daily on "Coffee With Scott Adams".

So if you don’t mind, go over to Scott Adams’ account on 𝕏 right now and thank him for what his work has done for and meant to you personally:

The tears will flow; let the gratitude flow all the more.

Your fellow simultaneous sipper,

— Joshua Lisec