Life — September 28, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Explanation for Modern Readers This Life magazine page contains three separate humorous pieces, including one cartoon illustration showing three men in formal dress at a dining table with a woman. The main illustrated story, "The Great Secret," satirizes wealthy businessmen's financial schemes. The narrator describes how a capitalist approached him seeking investment advice, mentioning "five thousand dollars" and later "five millions" for various ventures—including sugar options speculation during wartime and membership in exclusive country clubs. The humor lies in exposing how the wealthy used personal connections and insider knowledge to multiply fortunes while presenting themselves as self-made financial geniuses. The cartoon caption plays on this theme: a doctor is complimented on his "wonderful practice," though he's actually obtained wealth through other means. The page also includes two brief poems unrelated to the cartoon.