Life, 1915-12-09 · page 29 of 48
Life — December 9, 1915 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The page contains three separate satirical pieces from *Life* magazine: **Top cartoon**: Shows a soldier with a bayonet towering over civilians. The caption suggests a father is trembling, not from cold, but from anxious speculation about what the aggressive military figure will do "when he stops fighting"—likely commentary on post-WWI fears about demobilized soldiers and social upheaval. **"Consistent"**: Mocks philosophers as impractical idealists. Three philosophers' car breaks down; each spins the mishap as fortunate—studying Nature, finding food, getting service without effort. The joke: their abstract reasoning makes them oblivious to actual problems. **"If They Told the Truth"**: Satirizes social hypocrisy by presenting what people *actually* mean versus what they say. Examples: insulting a dance partner but calling it "fascinating," promising home repairs then abandoning tenants, ignoring complaints, and threatening a spouse with retaliation for poor hospitality. The satire exposes the polite lies underlying everyday interactions.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WHY ARE YOU TREMBLING, FATHER? ARE YOU COLD?” “wol AND GOES TO THINKING OUT Loup.” Consistent ‘OR the first time in their lives three genuine, simon- pure philosophers went out riding in a motor car. After they had ridden about twenty miles out in the coun- try, the car broke down. Said the first philosopher: “I have long wanted to study certain aspects of Nature, and this affords me the par- ticular prospect I most admire.” Said the second philosopher: “I observe there is a farm house over there where food can doubtless be obtained in sufficient quantities.” . Said the third philosopher: “I have long wanted to be in a situation where, without moving, sustenance would be brought to me by one friend, while the other discoursed on the beauties of Nature.” I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT THAT BIG FELLOW WILL DO WHEN HE STOPS FIGHTING If They Told the Truth ss 'ON’T you please take another turn around the Your dancing is so horrible it fairly fas- room? cinates me.” “Yes, madam, we will positively agree to keep this house in repair until you move in—then you will have to shift for yourself.” “Your complaint about how you have been insulted and ill-treated by our conductors has been received and placed on file, in the usual manner, without anyone doing any- thing about it.” “This is to notify you that I have reached home safely, and to inform you that the next time I spend a week-end with you, you'll know it.” comicbooks.com