Scott Adams, the mind behind the once-celebrated comic strip "Dilbert," which skewered corporate culture and became a symbol for frustrated office workers globally, has died at the age of 68. His death was announced by his first ex-wife, Shelly Miles, during a live stream on Adams' social media platforms. Just two years prior, Adams had disclosed a battle with advanced prostate cancer.

"Dilbert," known for its unique take on the absurdities of office life, featured the iconic character of the same name, often seen grappling with the illogic of his company's management. At its peak, the comic strip was syndicated in 2,000 newspapers across 70 countries, translated into 25 languages, and spawned books, merchandise, and an animated series.

However, Adams' later years were marred by controversy. In 2023, he made racist remarks that led to a swift fallout, with newspapers dropping the strip and his distributor cutting ties. Adams attempted to continue "Dilbert" under a new name and shifted towards more politically charged content, which only served to further polarize his audience.

Adams began his journey with "Dilbert" while working at Pacific Bell in the 1980s, initially sharing his cartoons to entertain colleagues. The comic officially debuted on April 16, 1989, and quickly resonated for its cynical but humorous look at workplace dynamics.

Despite his professional success, Adams' personal views and the darkening tone of his work in later years attracted significant backlash. His commentary on race, gender, and politics often sparked anger and alienation, overshadowing his earlier contributions to cartooning.

Adams' career arc serves as a complex legacy, one of groundbreaking humor and problematic rhetoric, leaving a bifurcated trail of both fans and critics. His passing is not just the end of a life but a moment of reflection on the impact of his words and works in the shifting sands of cultural discourse.