Life — March 26, 1908 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The New Plato" - Analysis This page presents a philosophical dialogue titled "The Nature of Happiness," structured as a Socratic conversation between Socrates and Thaetetus. The illustration shows classical figures in robes arranged in a formal debate setting. The dialogue explores whether happiness comes from knowledge or desire fulfillment. Socrates argues that true happiness involves occupation and purpose rather than passive contentment. The discussion references acquiring motor chariots (automobiles) as an example of desired possessions. This appears to be satirical commentary on early-20th-century American materialism and the then-novel automobile industry. By framing consumer desire through classical philosophy, Life magazine likely critiques the notion that purchasing modern goods—particularly cars—brings genuine happiness, suggesting instead that meaningful occupation matters more.