Life — June 7, 1917 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Mr. Choate" - Life Magazine This page features an article about Mr. Choate, described as a successful lawyer and prominent American figure. The illustration shows a woman in Victorian dress leaning toward a man, with a caption reading "And yet father told me to-day he thought you lacked application." The satire appears to target Choate's reputation and social standing. The text discusses how his success in law contrasts with broader philosophical questions about life's purpose—distinguishing between maintaining existence and understanding it. The woman's comment about "lacking application" creates ironic humor, given Choate's documented professional success. The piece uses Choate as a vehicle to explore class distinctions, American democracy versus European aristocracy, and whether professional achievement alone constitutes a complete life.