Life — August 17, 1916 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Relying on His Personality in Business" This 1916 Life magazine cartoon satirizes a man attempting to conduct business through charm and physical appearance rather than competence or proper attire. The illustration shows a shirtless, barefoot man in casual swimming trunks approaching a businesswoman at her desk, hat in hand. The caption suggests he's relying solely on his "personality"—his physical attractiveness—to succeed in professional matters. The satire likely critiques workplace confidence schemes or con men of the era who depended on charisma rather than legitimate credentials. It may also mock the general notion that personal charm could substitute for actual business skills, professionalism, or appropriate dress codes. The woman's dismissive posture reinforces that such an approach would fail in serious commercial dealings.