Life — February 18, 1909 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Styles in Lies" — Life Magazine This page satirizes social lying and deception. The main cartoon depicts a biblical scene—"The Condemning of Ananias and Sapphira" (Acts 5)—where early Christians were struck dead for lying about charitable donations. The irony is stark: this ancient punishment for dishonesty contrasts with modern acceptance of lies. The article discusses prevalent social lies of the era—white lies at tea parties and bridge clubs, marital excuses ("You must be mistaken"), professional deceptions among politicians. A secondary cartoon jokes about politicians' expensive lies requiring "material" (money) versus cheaper social lies. The page mocks how lying has become normalized in society despite religious/moral condemnation, suggesting early 20th-century concerns about eroding honesty in social and political life.