Life, 1915-02-18 · page 9 of 44
Life — February 18, 1915 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two distinct pieces. "The Real Thing" is an anthropomorphic fable where car parts (wheels, transmission, piston-rod, cylinder ring, gasoline vapor, electric spark, and protoplasm/sun) debate their relative importance to the vehicle's function. Each claims credit for making the car work, until the sun—representing some ultimate force—notes that a *man* designed the whole system, humorously deflating their collective ego. "Comrades" is a brief dialogue where Dimpleton advises his son Bonnie against attending movies, calling them "a very bad influence." Bonnie negotiates for "just this once," securing permission. The illustration shows a figure peering through a window grid, likely accompanying one of these stories, though its specific connection is unclear from context alone.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
UNTIL EASTER 269 The Real Thing “TF it wasn't for us,” said the wheels to the chassis, “the rest of you couldn't go far. We not only support all of you, but how well we do it— with what little friction.” “Perhaps you might mention,” said the transmission, “that it is only through me that you turn around. You couldn't: move fraction of an inch on your own volition: we communicate the ability that) makes you” turn around.” “And who drives you?” said the piston-rod, “1 should like to know what any of you could do without me. I'm the main guy.” “Which amuses me immensely,” said the cylinder ring. “If [ were not perfectly adjusted you'd easily lose half your strength; if T were not on the job constantly none of you could get a move on.” “And who presses you together and makes your compression?" asked the cylinder. “And who goes off at the right mo- ment and sends you forward?” said the gasoline vapor. “And who sends you off?” said the electric spark “Me,” said the switch button, “But seriously, friends, while the glory be- longs to all, the fact is we were thought of by a man—" “Which 1 put up.” whispered the protoplasm. At which the sun, fanning himself vigorously, was inclined to smile. “Sometimes,” he spluttered to him- self, “T really believe it is not neces- sary for me to keep all those atoms going; once having started them, they move along just by the force of their own egotism.” Comrades IMPLETON: I don’t think you ought to go to the movies this evening, Bobbie. They don’t do you any good. They are a very bad in- fluence. Bonu: Just this once, Dad? “Well, just this once, then.” “See you later.”