Desert Dilemma Meme Template

Fresh water is only a quarter mile away, but the thirsty man crawls toward the other sign, 21 miles in the opposite direction. Fill that blank sign with the thing he wants even more.

The choice is already made: the man ignores the sensible nearby option for a much longer trip. Your caption explains the temptation strong enough to override his obvious need.

The joke works when the destination is desirable but not remotely worth the effort. A small treat or hobby can become an absurd priority.

The cartoon was circulating online by September 20, 2006, when a Blogspot post shared it alongside a second version. Its original illustrator is not confirmed. Early copies carry website watermarks, which identify hosts rather than establish authorship. [1]

Later versions changed the left-hand destination. Know Your Meme documents a 2015 edit and a run of Tumblr variations in late 2016 and early 2017, as the two signs became a reusable joke about misplaced priorities. [1]

Add your destination to the large sign on the left. Keep the 21-mile arrow and the existing fresh-water sign visible.

Use a few words: the sign is a narrow area, and the distance is part of the punchline. The man’s direction already tells the reader which option he chose.

The distant temptation

Inside the blank left sign, above the 21-mile arrow.

• Only the left destination needs a caption.
• Keep both distances readable.
• Choose something tempting but unnecessary.
• Leave the man and his trail visible.