Judge, 1924-11-08 · page 25 of 36
Judge — November 8, 1924 — page 25: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising for Pelmanism**, a popular early-20th-century self-improvement program claiming to teach "applied psychology" and mental training. The satire/critique is *implicit* rather than explicit. The "94 to 6" statistic (compiled by the American Bankers' Association) presents a bleak life trajectory: of 100 healthy men, only 6 succeed; 94 fail due to minor character flaws like lack of initiative or self-confidence. **The satire's target**: The advertisement exploits this fear, implying that Pelmanism—through mental exercises and "Twelve Little Gray Books"—can fix these defects and reverse your odds. Testimonials claim dramatic salary increases ($20/week to $10,000/year). **What modern readers miss**: Pelmanism was a genuine, heavily-marketed correspondence course that promised to unlock hidden mental powers through mail-order training. The page ridicules both the pseudo-scientific claims and the desperation of working men seeking advancement during economic uncertainty. The head illustration (labeled "The Average Man Uses Only 20% of His Brain Power") reinforces the pseudoscientific pitch.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The odds are 94 to 6 against you - - - without the principles of Pelmanism LIFE EXPERIENCE OF 100 MEN Compiled by the Am in Bankers’ Association 100 men all strong and'vigorous with good mental and physical capacity. 5 have died, 10 are wealthy, 10 are in fair circumstances, 40 have just_ moderate means, 35 have saved nothing. 16 have died, 3 are wealthy, 65 are barely self-supporting, 16 are no longer self-supporting. * 30 have died, 1 is very wealthy, 8 are self-supporting, 61 are dependent upon children, relatives or charity for Support. 63 are dead (60 of these left no estate), 3 are Wealthy, 34 are i TED 94 failed—and why? One was the harassed department head who did not have enough initiative to make the vital decision at the impor- tant moment. Another was the salesman who never acquired enough self-confidence or force- fulness to land an important customer or a big job. Whatever his occupation, each one had his little defect which handicapped him in the race for success and kept him from reaching the goal. 6 succeeded—and why? They practiced the principles of PELMANISM. Possibly they did not call it Pelmanism. But the principles of Pelmanism are the principles of success. Let Science overcome your faults Whatever it is that keeps you from winning the success that your abilities merit, do not collapse into your corner and throw up thesponge. A fault in the mind can be cured just as surely as a sickness of the body. Here is something defi- nite and practical that you can do. Call in a great force to your assist- ance. The name of this force is PELMANISM. Pelmanism is the science of applied psychology. Everything that the greatest research workers have discovered about the workings of the hu- man mind is now laid before you. The secrets of the university labora- tories are brought with- in your reach. Pelman- ism teaches you how to correct and overcome mental habits and faults SUCCESS Through New Minds for Old A few of the thousands of letters from success- ful students: “From a salary of $975 I rose in one step to $2,000 a year, and in January this year to $4,000 a year.” “Tam glad to inform you that I have just received an increase in salary amount- ing to $1,000 a year extra.” “Since taking the course I have more than doubled my salary, which is due entirely to your teachings.” “Since becoming a Pel- manist I have actually increased, my salary 300 per cent.” “I had the pleasure of taking the course during 1917-18. Previous to my joining the army my salary was $20 a week. My pres- entsalary is$10,000a year.” dependent on children, relatives or charity for support. 94 of the original 100 ‘‘average men’’ died penniless of character which have been holding you back all your life. When you become a Pelmanist, you put yourself under the direction of a group of university-trained experts. From day to day you read in “Twelve Little Gray Books,” per- form the mental exercises designed to develop the sleeping powers of your mind and fill out the charts to be sent in to your advisor at the head- quarters of Pelmanism in New York City. It is excessively simple, yet the results are astound- ing. Take the initiative NOW Here is a big opportunity. Prove to yourself _ that you are capable of recognizing a real chance. Take the initiative that 650,000 other men and women have taken and fill out the coupon. It will bring you your copy of “Scientific Mind Training.” This informing and vitally interest- ing book costs you absolutely nothing. It obli- gates you to nothing. BUT it may mean the turning point of your life. Don’t procrastinate and then forget—those are defects that you wish tocure. Remember the odds are 94 to 6 against you—but, with Pelmanism backing you, they will be 94 to 6 in your favor. FILL OUT THE COUPON NOW. The Pelman Institute of America Suite 5211 2575 Broadway, New York City Approved as a correspondence school under the laws of the State of New York, (Se | THE_PELMAN INSTITUTE OF AMERICA I Suite 5211, 2575 Broadway, New York City W pisase cette without cost or obligation on my part a copy 1 of the 64-page book, “Scientific Mind Training.” 23 comicbooks.com