Life — January 2, 1913 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page contains a poem titled "Life to His Friends" by Edward S. Martin, addressing Life magazine's readership of "hundred thousand friends." The text is entirely literary—there are **no cartoons or caricatures visible** on this page. The poem defends Life's editorial approach: its role as "jester and critic" using satire and biting humor to critique society. Martin explains that Life's apparent irreverence actually serves a purpose—it exposes folly and absurdity while maintaining underlying principles of "justice and a decent heart." The poem suggests Life's satirical method, though sometimes harsh, comes from principled conviction rather than mere mockery. It's an meta-commentary justifying the magazine's own satirical mission to its audience.