I believe that Bill Haverchuck of Freaks and Geeks, played by Martin Starr, is the greatest television character ever created. Everyday, I try to live my life like him. He is a freshman geek who, in my opinion, is the most mature person on the show. He does not care to gain social status, or do anything he does not want to do. He knows what makes him happy and is relatively shameless. He is extremely kind, generous and perfect in every way. Here are some lessons I have taken from this character.

1. Be honest about your feelings.

In this scene, a girl is being rude to Bill, and he blatantly tells her that she’s a jerk and that he does not want to be near her because of it. His honestly helps her to realize her rudeness, and she changes her attitude, and consequently, Bill gets that kiss.

Also included: The time Bill chose to be honest about his accident in science class.

2. Popularity is a waste of time.

Throughout the series, we see many of the characters become caught up in gaining social status, particularly Neal, although it never actually happens for him. However, Bill has never cared to do anything for this reason. He knows what he wants and that is not popularity. He is very secure with himself and never feels that he needs to pump himself up through social status.

3. Sassing is often a good response.

Bill’s attitude creates for some of the greatest quotes of this series, or of the entire world.

4. Although it is difficult, sometimes it is important to put others’ feelings ahead of your own.

Bill is by far the most considerate, thoughtful and generous character on this series. Though we see this often through his gestures and actions, we see it the most heavily during the episode in which his mother begins dating Bill’s gym teacher, AKA one of his greatest nemeses. Here is Bill taking off his glasses to cry because of how much he hates this man.

And here is Bill trying his best to bond with this gym teacher, because he knows what a tough time his mother is having, and that this man makes her very happy.

5. Never be embarrassed of what makes you happy.

Bill is often made fun of for his honesty about what he wants in life, but he does not care. He knows what he wants and he’s not ashamed. For example, he loves Bill Murray and will proudly share this with whomever, no matter their stance on Bill Murray.

6. No matter how horrible someone acts, they always have a soft side.

Unfortunately, Bill encounters a lot of bullies. He reacts to these people with kindness and grace and of course, a little bit of sass. This is because he is aware that these bullies act like this because of flaws in their own self esteem. The strongest example of Bill’s maturity toward these situations is when the geek’s tormentor, Allen, intentionally slips a peanut into Bill’s sandwich, sending him to the hospital because he is deathly allergic. Instead of being angry, Bill understands that Allen is acting this way out of loneliness and resentment. Bill invites Allen to hang out with him and his friends.

7. You do you.

This is what I learned most from Bill. He knows what makes him feel good, and he does it without caring what people think. This is a scene of Bill having what seems to be the time of his life while eating a grilled cheese and watching TV. I think about this scene every time I come home from school and am alone. It’s very special to me.

Bill Haverchuck really set the bar high for all other TV characters.