Life, 1917-03-22 · page 7 of 38
Life — March 22, 1917 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three satirical pieces about modern life's pace and values. **"Must Be Lenient"** depicts a domestic dispute where a Japanese butler threw a knife at his employer—a servant behavioral transgression the employer dismisses as merely a minor lapse in manners. The satire mocks upper-class tolerance of serious misconduct when it involves servants, suggesting class-based double standards. **"In the Grain"** presents a conversation questioning whether life without modern conveniences (telephones, automobiles, newspapers, movies) might actually be preferable, allowing time for romance and appreciating nature. The satire critiques modern society's assumption that technological progress necessarily improves life. **"All's Not Gold That Glitters"** (bottom illustration) appears to comment on materialism and false values, suggesting that not all that appears valuable truly is. The overall theme criticizes modern society's priorities and social hypocrisies.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Must Be Lenient In the Grain “LIAS your Jap butler got a good temper?” “IT WONDER what we would do without telephones, autos, “Fair. He threw a knife at my wife yesterday.” newspapers and movies.” “Oh, well, that’s really nothing. Nowadays you have to “Why, then we'd have time to fall in love and cultivate expect a little falling off in manners.” a few friends, besides enjoying the scenery.” ALL'S NOT GOLD THAT GLITTERS THERE'S COPPER AND STEEL AND ZINC AND IRON AND PLATINUM AND DIAMONDS AND RUBIES AND — BRASS comicbooks.com