Life — December 21, 1922 — page 12: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Spendthrift" - Life Magazine Page This page features a poem titled "Spendthrift" by B.L., accompanied by an illustration of a cherub or cupid-like figure next to a decorated box. The poem satirizes a young person's frivolous spending habits and lack of financial discipline. It describes how the narrator squandered their allowance on luxury items (chocolate, popcorn, jewelry, perfumes, sweets) rather than saving money. The tone is self-aware and humorous, admitting to wasteful purchases that elders dismissed as "trash." The left column contains miscellaneous trivia questions and observations (about politicians, institutions, and cultural figures), typical of Life's satirical format. The overall message criticizes youthful extravagance and poor money management—a recurring theme in 1920s satire about younger generations' consumption habits.