Life — January 31, 1907 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Human Zoo" - Life Magazine Satire This page satirizes British society figures of the early 20th century through character sketches. "Mary Baker Eddy" mocks the Christian Science founder as a practical visionary who capitalizes on human weakness. "Mr. Shaw" refers to George Bernard Shaw, caricatured as an Irish radical and vegetarian whose dramatic works are called "impossible" and whose contrarian positions alienate British society. "Mark Twain" concludes the section, praising him as life's "champagne"—witty, humorous, and youthful in spirit. The "Human Zoo" title itself suggests these are specimens of society on display for ridicule—wealthy, famous figures reduced to their perceived character flaws and social pretensions.