Judge, 1921-01-22 · page 13 of 32
Judge — January 22, 1921 — page 13: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# Analysis The main illustration depicts a social scene at what appears to be a seaside resort, with figures in early 20th-century dress (soldiers or officials in uniform, and women in long skirts). The caption "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind! Thou'rt not so Unkind" references Shakespeare's *As You Like It*. The accompanying essay, titled "Something of Importance," satirizes polite society's obsession with discussing trivialities. The author argues that social success comes from mastering the "art of talking fluently about nothing"—avoiding facts, knowledge, and substantive opinions to never offend anyone or provoke intellectual disagreement. The satirical point: modern society prizes empty pleasantries over genuine conversation. By excelling at meaningless discourse, one becomes popular and avoids the complications of actual thinking or debate. Several short humorous pieces below reinforce themes of social conformity and superficiality. The cartoon likely illustrates this social observation about leisure-class interaction and empty socializing at fashionable venues.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Something of Importance W. Kieu By Stuart as a topic of polite conversation, is someth Norse L of extreme importance. Hi you wish to keep your head tbove water in the conversational natatorium, you must study to acquire the manly art of talking fluently about nothing Throw away all ideas you have about anythin sible. “Avoid thing which borders dangerously close to facts and knowledge. im to know absolutely utors rut your clbows at milating as much of nothing that degree ' nothing all times. Facilities for Imitate those who are already Listen to politic performers, débutantes, exponents of new cults, a lectual giants who murmur profoundly equally profound opinion is expressed cover how the trick is turned. To speak and say reasons for popularity ane learning nothing are unexcelled past masters of the manly art uns, parlor | the intel * when any listen to all these to dis. “Tl say so. tbsolutely nothing is the epitome of all You can offend no one, nor can you get snarled up in the intricacies of mendacity cornered, called to account, or refuted, Neither can you get The path to success is open to you. Your loving friends will hail vou as the supremely 13 Wister Wisp sp" —Sha compatible fellow who never puts them to the bother of think ing. They will adore you because you never shoot verbal darts that prick their conscic Vi disturbed when you are with them ir blissful numbness is un You never wrench their understanding. or sprain their ideas hing interests them You, as its votary, will always. be in the circle of lovers of nothing Society is made up of circles, and circles represent nothing all ways—even graphically greatly warmly welcomed It is quite obvious that you will be a square peg in a round hole if you refuse to recognize the importance of nothing. Man, the Weakling tsa fact every man would be glad to dispute But there seems ne way to defeat it Adam hadn't the courage to gather the fruit But seemed perfectly willing to cat it A Compliment “Hubby. how do you like my marble cak “T never saw a better imitation of marble And Out of It, Too There is many a rude fellow in the Civil Service. comicbooks.com