“Don’t panic” gained iconic status through Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where it’s emblazoned in large, friendly letters on the cover of the fictional guidebook—a humorous reassurance amid cosmic absurdity. Originally intended to calm interstellar travelers facing bizarre and terrifying situations, the phrase has since transcended its sci-fi origins to become a cultural mantra for staying cool in chaos. It’s been adopted in everything from tech troubleshooting to pandemic messaging, often with a wink to Adams’ dry wit. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of irony and comfort: a reminder that even when the universe seems incomprehensible, a little calm goes a long way.
