Life, 1919-06-12 · page 43 of 46
Life — June 12, 1919 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a satirical story (continued from a previous page) mocking autocratic leadership and dangerous ideological certainty. The central figure is "the Man from the North," who represents an arrogant, authoritarian leader dismissing expert advice. He proudly boasts he seeks counsel only from people who know *nothing* about their subjects—a deliberate inversion of rational governance. His reasoning: ignorant advisers won't challenge him or impose their personalities on his decisions. The civilian adviser attempts to challenge this absurdity, warning that one cannot understand complex governance (navy policy, colonial administration, etc.) without consulting actual experts. The Man from the North's response—that he will do "absolutely anything" without restraint—suggests dangerous megalomaniacal ambitions. The satire targets anti-democratic leadership philosophies and the rejection of expertise, likely referencing political trends of the era (the story byline credits Kenneth L. Roberts). The Man's grandiose self-regard and contempt for informed counsel represent a direct threat to rational society.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Fantasy in A-Flat (Continued from page 1046) te, “those men would know too much shout their subject. They would try to impress their personality on me. Tiey wo 1 try to do my general man- for And don’t make any d: I don't intend to fave anybory do my work for me. I'm picg to le the whole thing. The whole ” replied the civilian ad- sier, “but unless you get your advice from the people who know most about general managing, how will you know ced to know about it? . silly question, Edward,” ¢ Man from the North coldly. what you “J always ask advice from people who know very little about anything. My e frequently quite blank I'm not knocking you, Ed- iow what IT mean. I shevism from a Bol- shevik; on the navy from the owner of newspaper; on the Philip- pines from the discredited, corrupt tool ns; on Post Office farmer. Don’t you Fdward, that ignorant men isider themselves better ive advice than the ex- And we must take a man at ion, Edward; we must cep over and accept the After all, isn’t know yet, 7 (omelike~ L / ut wey the wart of ti ungs =| — HE | E BILTMORE] Veg Clear Your Skin With Cuticura All druggists: Soap 25, Ointment 25 & $0, Tal- cum 25. Sample each free of "Cuticura, Dept. B, Boston.” “Ah,” purred the civilian adviser agreeably, “May I not say, Edward,” remarked the Man from the North, rising and readjusting his suspenders, “that you have helped me immensely? You are so sane and calm, Edward. I shall be General Manager of the World, Ed- ward; but I shall be it in accordance with my own ideals. The specialists, Edward, can chase themselve: “You'll probably get away with it,” said the civilian adviser garrulously. “Who can stop me?” asked the Man from the North frostily. “The Great can get away with anything, Edward; absolutely anything! I thought you knew that, Edward.” Fixing his slow, sweet, melancholy and ineffably dignified smile firmly in place, the Man from the North picked up his mocha gloves and went serenely away from the apartments of his chief civilian adviser. Kenneth L. Roberts. HIGHLY efficient under all conditions. Correctly designed and splendidly built. GRAY & DAVIS, INC. Boston, Mass, THignlands of Ontario? Every summer pleasure da's lovely vacation resic ut doors fish comicbooks.com