Life — August 30, 1917 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "The Old, Old Story" This Life magazine cover from August 30, 1917 depicts a child standing in front of ancient ruins, pointing upward in wonder or supplication. The title "The Old, Old Story" suggests commentary on humanity's cyclical nature—destruction and rebuilding repeating across civilizations. Given the 1917 publication date (during American involvement in World War I), this likely carries anti-war sentiment. The child among ruins represents the consequences of conflict: the destruction of civilization and the burden inherited by younger generations. The pointing gesture may suggest either hope for transcendence or despair at the pattern's repetition. The satire critiques how societies perpetually engage in destructive wars despite knowing history's lessons—hence "the old, old story" that never changes.