Life, 1917-06-07 · page 8 of 42
Life — June 7, 1917 — page 8: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a commencement speech excerpt paired with a military illustration captioned "IT WOULD BE JUST HIS LUCK!" The illustration shows soldiers on horseback and on foot, appearing to be from a military campaign or battle scene. The speaker, identified as "Edmund J. Kiefer," addresses the Class of 1917, sarcastically telling graduates that hard work and persistence are pointless. He suggests they're naive to expect success and mockingly advises them to enjoy luxuries instead, concluding that "the luxuries, and the necessities will take care of themselves." The satire appears to reference the context of 1917—likely reflecting anxieties about WWI and suggesting that graduates' futures are uncertain or predetermined by circumstances beyond their control, making earnest commencement platitudes seem hollow or absurd.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Sample Commencement Address EMBERS of the Class of 1917: Just twenty-five years ago to- night I was graduated from Alma Mater and sat listening to a successful alumnus—even as you sit listening to me now. During these twenty-five years I worked like a fiend to win suc- cess, and now, after winning it, I have to work like a fiend to hold on to it. What message have I for you? Ab- solutely none. I want you all to go forth into the world and find out for IT WOULD BE JUST HIS LUCK! yourselves just how to succeed. It would be a waste of time for me to advise you: I have grown too bitter. What's: more, you will disregard and forget all that I am saying to you to- night. As a matter of fact, I don't believe there is even one amongst you who thinks there is anything left for him to learn. My heart bleeds when I think how cruelly you are to be dis- illusioned. And now, ladies and gentlemen, in- asmuch as I have. been bored to death by these stupid exercises, and nigh overcome by the stuffy atmosphere in this overcrowded theatre, I have de- cided to leave right away and go to bed. Early to bed and early to rise— as the venerable Dean used to explain —makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. So if you know what's best for you you will all follow my good exam- ple. Pray, do not applaud me as I make my exit: it might excite me and keep me awake almost till morning. I thank you. Edmund J. Kiefer. ‘AKE care of the luxuries, and the necessities will take care of them- selves. comicbooks.com