Life — September 28, 1911 — page 16: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Life magazine page satirizes the American obsession with speed and rushing through daily activities. The cartoon collection depicts various scenes of people constantly hurrying: dining hastily ("I must hurry"), operating a "Quick Lunch" counter, someone saying "wait a second," individuals running and gesturing frantically, someone working late ("I can't wait all day for that number"), and references to fast music and quick transactions ("all shines 5¢"). The recurring caption "The Hurry Habit" suggests social criticism of modern American culture's frenetic pace—people rushing through meals, work, entertainment, and leisure. The figure labeled "Midnight" and references to "slow music" contrast rushed versus leisurely living, implying the era valued constant activity and speed as markers of modern life, often at the expense of rest or contemplation.