Life — December 23, 1920 — page 13: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This cartoon from *Life* magazine satirizes H.G. Wells, the famous science fiction novelist. The caption attributes a quote to Wells addressing a "Russian novelist," saying: "Your condition is deplorable, but at least you have the satisfaction of knowing that you have abolished private property." The image shows a bearded figure (Wells) in winter clothing, appearing to gesture mockingly at a disheveled, impoverished person in the snow. In the background, an automobile suggests wealth and capitalist luxury. The satire critiques Wells's apparent hypocrisy—he advocated socialist ideals and the abolition of private property while enjoying the material comforts of capitalism himself. The cartoon suggests he was offering cold comfort to the suffering poor, praising their sacrifice of private property while he retained his own wealth and privilege.