Life — December 28, 1916 — page 27: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a humorous six-panel comic showing a man's fantasies for New Year's resolutions, contrasting his idealized wishes with reality. The panels depict: 1. **Reckless driving** with a police officer 2. **Exercise/fitness** to regain physical shape 3. **Leisure and rest** away from family obligations 4. **Financial gain** ("tips") without effort or risk 5. **Market speculation** ("clean up a bunch on the market—without taking a chance") 6. **Marital control** over his wife The satire targets the "average man" of the early 20th century—his contradictory desires for excitement, wealth, leisure, and dominance, all without consequence or work. The joke is that these fantasy resolutions are impossible: one cannot evade police, gain wealth without risk, or rest while supporting a family. It mocks male daydreaming and the gap between New Year's aspirations and realistic life constraints, particularly regarding work, marriage, and social responsibility.