Life — January 2, 1919 — page 6: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis The main cartoon shows a bandaged baby figure labeled "THE WORLD" saying "NEVER AGAIN!" while being held by what appears to be a weary or exhausted figure (likely representing humanity or a nation). The caption reads "MAYBE HE MEANS IT THIS TIME / Peace; BUT THAT'S WHAT YOU ALWAYS SAY, DEAR." This is post-World War I satire (the article references 1918-1919). The joke expresses cynical skepticism about peace promises following the war's devastation. The baby "world" is wounded and traumatized, swearing never to repeat such destruction—but the weary caregiver doubts this resolve will hold, implying that nations will inevitably return to conflict. The accompanying text discusses houses on an avenue and their wartime damage, contextualizing the cartoon's commentary on war's destructive aftermath.