Life, 1915-03-04 · page 39 of 48
Life — March 4, 1915 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page combines advertisements with satirical editorial content typical of Life magazine's format. ## The "Facts" Column The central text is philosophical satire mocking how "facts" are established and discarded. It uses absurdist logic—comparing facts to middle-aged women with money who "are ready for any kind of an excitement"—to argue that facts are unreliable and actually *want* to be disproven so they can "reach the highest perfection." This appears to be gentle mockery of how people cling to outdated beliefs or how "facts" shift with scientific progress. ## The Sherman Quote The brief dialogue references General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous statement "War is hell," framing it as a response to wartime inconveniences (cars being requisitioned). The joke plays on understated complaint during wartime sacrifice. ## Advertisements The page includes typical period ads: E. Hayes custom shoes, Lee Tires (emphasizing puncture-proof technology), Old Saratoga whiskey, and Old Saratoga Extra Fine whiskey. The satirical content suggests this is from the WWI or post-WWI era when such wartime references were current.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
INDIVIDUALITY IN FOOTWEAR Style—Quality—Comfort MART SHOES made to your order to harmonize with your gown, hat or wrap. Hayes’ Cross-Strap Slipper \dea ted—ialadh" Whe of color to Pa “Obey that lmpalse™ and write today for Catalogas “L*, sbewtag over 50 exelesive and attractive models. E. HAYES Ladie? Fine Custom Shoes 9-11 W. 29th St., New York Section showing LEE Puncture-Proof Tire Construction Facts FACT is something which is be- lieved in until it is proved to be not so. The life of a fact, therefore, varies with circumstances and condi- tious. That the sun moves around the earth was once a fact. It is now no longer a fact, but has been superseded by the fact that the earth moves around the sun. Every. fact requires to be demon- strated. For example, a kiss is a kiss, Ve Observe how the three layers of impenetrable discs over- S but only when demonstrated is it a s ‘ fe d - fact. A lie is a fact, but only when lap, forming a protecting shield for carcass and inner tube y it has been proved to be a lie. Too “i much demonstration, however, may . alter facts. It is a fact that some i) men love their wives, but— L Te § p A statement is not always a fact. A statement is often a guess. A fact PNEUMATIC NON-SKID PUNCTURE - PROOF ; a - 'HESE wonderful tires stand firmly A between the motorist and all punc- turing forces. For the first time complete and supreme freedom from all road trouble is assured—under a written guarantee. The insistent cry for “MORE MILEAGE” is most effectively answered. LEE mileage " is amazing. a Gay me New literature gives full description 3 of this and other vital features 1 ; { = WRITE FOR BOOKLET "G” ; ‘ \ i LEE TIRE & RUBBER CO. ar — se Manufacturers of Rubber Goods uJ ‘Since 1883 i . 3 CONSHOHOCKEN, PENNA. ; ; Look up "Lee Tires” in 1 “Yes, My Dear, your Telephone Directory jas Sherman said, ‘War is ——’ But why complain? is what the statement is when it is a kind of an excitement. That is why s" SLI Saratoga WHISKEY and then make sure you get it. It sour dealer hasn’t Old Saratoga in stock, send us sx dollars and we will see that you get at once four | | fall quarts, all charges paid. osskam, Gerstley & Co., Philadelphia | correct guess. The object of every fact is to be disproved. The reason for this am- bition is that facts get tired of being facts. There is nothing for them to do but sit around and look pleasant. They are like a middle-aged woman with money, whose children have left her and who lives in a non-housekeep- ing apartment. Their life is so monotonous they are ready for any every fact, when it is disproved, claps its hands and dances with glee, say- ing: “I knew all along I wasn't so, and now I am true to my highest ideal. I've been found out, and I don’t have to be good any more. I have reached the highest perfection.” OES he live within his income?” “Dear me, no. He says he can’t afford it.”