Life, 1914-08-27 · page 16 of 44
Life — August 27, 1914 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical piece uses historical figures—Julius Caesar, Alexander, Hannibal, Napoleon, and General Sherman—as a commentary on World War I. The conceit is that these great military leaders are being awakened and informed of modern warfare. The joke operates on two levels: **The satire**: Despite centuries passing and humanity's supposed progress, the great powers are *still* fighting over trade and territorial dominance—exactly as they always have. Nothing has fundamentally changed; the wars are repetitive and predictable. **The historical irony**: Each figure responds with world-weary resignation or darkly comic acceptance. Bismarck simply wants to sleep through it all. Napoleon asks for "a margin of a few years more" before his prophecy about Europe fully comes true. The top cartoon shows men frantically leaving, joking they shouldn't abandon "Jimmie" (unclear reference, possibly a draft dodger or reluctant soldier). The page mocks the notion that WWI represents anything genuinely new—it's merely history repeating itself endlessly.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WE COTTA QUIT SMOKIN’, JIMMIE—WE AIN'T LEAVIN’ HIM LIKE WE OUGHTA!” The Sleepers Awaken said: “Regret that I can add nothing (How They Took the News.) more about war than what I have already stated.” ULIUS CAESAR was some time in being aroused, When finally awake Bismarck: ‘Let me sleep!” and informed of the news, he re- marked: “ You don’t mean to tell me that there is another advertised last appearance of the Divine Right of Kings? And I thought it all stopped with me!” Alexander mused awhile, then smiled significantly and observed: “ Perhaps it is just as well, aiter all, that I conquered the world when I did.” Hannibal at first refused to talk for publication, but when pressed said: “Think of it! In all these centuries things haven't changed since I did my best for Carthaginian commercialism ; and now they are all still fighting for the trade of the world, Please don't disturb me again unless there is really something new.” Napoleon, when given the latest bulletins and reminded of his famous remark that in one hundred years Europe would be all Cossack or all Republican, merely said: “ Well, well, my boy, it’s only fair to allow me a margin of a few years more.” “NOW, IF I CAN ONLY STAY PERFECTLY STILL. FOR A COUPLE 0’ HOURS, HE’LL General Sherman shook his head and MAYBE THINK I'M SOME KIND O’ FIANNER ORNAMENT”