Life — August 16, 1917 — page 14: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This satirical cartoon depicts an ostrich—a bird famously associated with the metaphor of burying its head in sand to avoid problems—standing over scattered symbols of power and authority (a crown, orb, and scepter). The quote from *Macbeth* ("Now, good digestion wait on appetite, / And health on both!") suggests themes of consumption and consequences. The cartoon likely critiques political or social leaders who ignore serious problems or refuse to acknowledge uncomfortable truths, using the ostrich as a visual pun for willful ignorance. The discarded regalia suggests that power and authority mean nothing if wielded by those who ignore reality. The specific political target remains unclear without additional context about Life magazine's publication date.