Life, 1922-08-24 · page 2 of 36
Life — August 24, 1922 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains no cartoon or satirical illustration. Instead, it's a full-page **advertisement for advertising itself**, signed "Gee. Bee. Are." (the initials of Life's Advertising Manager). The text is a meta-advertisement arguing that advertising is essential to modern life. It uses rhetorical questions to make readers appreciate conveniences (window-glass, automobiles, soap) while crediting advertising with improving human welfare. The final pitch urges readers to study the magazine's advertisements, claiming they "will prove invaluable to you." This appears to be self-promotional content justifying advertising's role in society while encouraging readers to trust commercial messages—a straightforward pitch rather than satire or political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Lire: Published Weekly by Life Publishing Entered Second Class Matter June 8, 1883, at the Post Office at New York, Caries Dana GrBson, President Company at 598 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 'N. Y., under the act of March 3d, 1879. ‘Printed in New York, U.S.A. Gronak B_ RICHARDSON, Vice-President Annual Subscription, Five Dollars. E as Second Class Matter at the Post Office Department, Canada. Ror MILLER, ‘Treasurer Vol. 80. No, 2077, August 24, 1922. 5 2, LIFE, in the United States, England and the British Possessions B. F, PRovanpir, Western Manager How Did They Do It? e O you ever wonder how the ancient folk got along without the comforts and conveni- ences of today? Without window-glass, without tooth brushes, without automobiles, without soap, without tele- phones, breakfast foods, stoves, and virtually all the items we consider bare necessities of life. And have you ever wondered at the part adver- tising has played in the world’s development? It has made and is making the world better housed, better fed, better dressed. It has increased the world’s capacity for things that elevate, improve and idealize the important business of living. It is a big, vital force in fostering convenient and comfortable life. Home! Can you imagine your own empty of advertised products? Advertising is an authentic and essential guide to the markets of the world. Without its direction you lose much, and overlook much. Don’t fail to read the advertisements you find in this publication. Follow their guidance. They will prove invaluable to you Gee. Bee. Are. LIFE’S Advertising Manager, Madison Avenue, No. 598, New York B. F. Provandie, Western Manager, Marquette Bldg., 1537, Chicago comicbooks.com