Life, 1916-08-03 · page 9 of 38
Life — August 3, 1916 — page 9: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**Top Image: "To Exchange: An Eden for an Adam"** A woman in classical dress mourns at a tomb in a moonlit garden. This appears to be a literary or philosophical reference, likely invoking the biblical Eden story—suggesting a meditation on loss, sacrifice, or the exchange of innocence for experience. The exact allusion is unclear without more context. **"The Pacifist's Breviary"** A series of pacifist aphorisms attributed to Benjamin De Casseres, offering tongue-in-cheek advice for avoiding conflict (learn to swim, surrender in war, hang your latch-key outside). It satirizes pacifist philosophy as impractical or cowardly. **"Commercial Soldiers"** A brief dialogue where a father explains that "captains of industry" cause wars but never fight them—social commentary on wealthy industrialists profiting from warfare while others sacrifice lives.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“1 CAN'T SWIM—BUT I HAV! TO EXCHANGE: AN EDEN FOR AN ADAM The Pacifist’s Breviary F a fire breaks out in your house speak to it gently. The universe is a product of non-resisting forces. Time enough to learn to swim when the boat is going down. If caught in a border raid, pray. In case of war notify the police. He who chautauquas and runs away may live to chautalk another day. All danger, national and individual, is psychological When in doubt do as the Chinaman does—surrender. Human rights are conserved by preaching sweetness and light. Hang your latch-key on the outer wall, and the ery is, “Touch me not!” Force is negative; docility, positive. In time of peace prepare for more peace. When an enemy advances toward you secking your life fling at his head a volume of the Commoner. Renjamin De Casseres. Commercial Soldiers ILLIE: What are captains of industry, dad? Cransuaw: They are fellows who cause wars but 'T HAD TO, YET” never fight them. comicbooks.com