Growing up Simpsons

So the Simpsons are on season what, 16? So actually Maggie should be in high school by now. The Simpsons started out in I believe 1989, as shorts on the Tracey Ullman show. I was in college back then, so the Simpsons have been around with me as I grew up to become the man that I am. What would a world be like without the Simpsons? I'm sure it would be fine and life would go on, but it would be a little bit sadder. I haven't given into the hype over the years as far as merchandising goes. Only this year did i actually buy a tshirt with Homer on it (Springfield Chopper, if you must know). I still enjoy them, vive la Simpsons!