Life, 1913-01-09 · page 82 of 100
Life — January 9, 1913 — page 82: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page is primarily **advertising** for luxury goods (silverware, chocolates) rather than political satire. The main editorial content is "The Fool by Right of Office," a philosophical essay about foolishness drawing on classical sources (Erasmus, Seneca, Rhodius). The humorous anecdote labeled "Wholesale Demand" features **Nat Goodwin**, a prominent American actor and comedian of the early 1900s. The joke plays on his persona: when a friend praises American Beauty roses as his favorite flower and mentions marrying "an American beauty," Goodwin dryly responds he also married one—a clever play on words equating the flower with an attractive woman. The page reflects *Life* magazine's typical mix of literary wit, celebrity humor, and high-end product advertising targeting affluent readers. There is **no political cartoon visible**—the decorative silverware image is purely commercial.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THEODORE B. STARR. INC. * rejoined Rhodius, “but there are who pass this and look He was something of the opinion of Schuppius of Hamburg, who used to remark that in this world the fools outnumber the men; and the En Maximilian If. delicately pressed a similar sentiment when he ob- served that every young. fellow must be peror exe pulled hy fool’s strings for seven years, and that if, during that time, he for- mself for an instant, he had to re- commence his seven years’ service. This potentate distinguished the dullest of his counsellors by the title of the King of Fools, On once addressing a prosy ad- viser by this title, the gentleman neatly enough replied: “1 -wish, with all my heart, 1 were King of Fools; I should have a glorious kingdom of it, and your Imperial Majesty would be among my subjects.” got Doran's “ Court Fools.” Wholesale Demand Nat Goodwin and a friend were walk- ing along Fifth when they stopped to look into a florist’s window, in which there was an artistic angement of exquisite roses, What wonderful American Beauties Nat!” said the friend delight- edly. " | hey are, indeed,” replied Nat. ] “You see, 1 am very fond of that j Hower,” continued the friend. “In fact, I might say it is my favorite. You know, Avenue one afternoon ‘ those are, Period Silverware Nat, I married an American beauty the creations of the Adam Brothers and Chippendale, also with the best types of Colonial decoration. In this design and others representing the principal PEAR! \D GEMS OF BRONZES Hf RY. WATCH STATIONERY 5TH AVENUE AND 47TH STREET NEW YORK HIS Eighteenth Century decorative periods, we show ell,” said Nat dryly, “you haven't ] English Tea Service—an complete services, including got anything on me, I married a clus- | admirable example of the Hollow and Flat Ware, Tea, tee —Elepinegtts: i period—is in keeping with Coffee and Dinner Sets, Can- delabra and Candlesticks. Prices never higher than prevail elsewhere for equal quality. Orders by mail receive most careful attention. TONAL QI LITY * ‘LOC c LEATHER GOODS The Fool by Right of Office When Erasmus praised Folly, it was only making Folly advocate her own cause. After all, her pleading neither recommends her cause, nor says much for the wit of the pleader. Folly, in the abstract, has been denounced alike by Scripture and ancient heathen sages. “All men are fools,” was once a re- ceived text. Over the text, some have laughed, some have cried, and upon it, or its equivalent, divines have preached sermons now mirthful, now melancholy. “Tf I wish to look at a fool,” says Sen- cca modestly, “I have not far to go. I have only to look in a mirror.” A sharper saying still was uttered by Rho- dius, a physician of Marburg, who had adorned the front of his house with full- length portraits of all the Jawyers and doctors in the city, himself in the cen- tre, and all in the dress of the profes- sional buffoon. “ You have a large num- ber of thorough fools painted on walls,” once remarked a passer-by. our $1.00 Brings Them for Festive Feasting Reymers’ Chocolates! Very Best Chocolates! Made for Pittsburgh's millionaires—rare fruits, plump, perfect nuts, exquisitely fla- vored creams, each dipped in a thick, rich coating of pure, rich, sweet chocolate— —The candy that makes every festive occasion com- plete—a treat for yoursell—a treat for your friends —you will never find a more welcome gift. A dollar bill in an envelope, with your name and dress, and youmake their acquaintance. If you w to prepay carrying charges, enclose 3Occntein stampa. If you would like more information before you buy, drop us a postal for a little book that tells you how “R.V.B.'s" are made. We gladly mailit free. Address REYMER & BROTHERS 1450 Forbes Street, Pittsbargh, Pa. Crite for pastlonlars feat Ageocy offer, comicbooks.com