Life, 1924-01-31 · page 2 of 36
Life — January 31, 1924 — page 2: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The main cartoon depicts **John Witherspoon**, identified as the sixth president of Princeton University. The illustration shows him in formal 18th-century dress, gesturing emphatically before seated figures in what appears to be a formal debate or meeting. The accompanying text emphasizes Witherspoon as a Scottish Presbyterian clergyman and signer of the Declaration of Independence. It recounts an anecdote where, during debates over ratifying the Declaration, when a delegate expressed fear "we are not ripe for revolution," Witherspoon famously replied: "Not ripe sir. We are not only ripe but rotting!" The page frames this as patriotic inspiration—celebrating Witherspoon's bold confidence during America's founding. However, the bottom half shifts to **insurance advertising** (The Prudential Insurance Company), using this founding father as branding to suggest security and wisdom.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Sixth President of Princeton OHN WITHERSPOON, a sturdy, scrappy Scotchman, with a “D.D.” fresh from the University of Aberdeen in his pocket, had calls from all over the world —from Dundee, Dublin, and the little College of New Jersey. Being pious, patriotic, and a Presbyterian, he naturally chose Princeton, where he delivered a rousing inaugural sermon—in Latin—on the union of piety and science Indomitable courage and hard work soon made this Scotch scholar one of the most notable of those who sought American freedom. No matter how gloomy the outlook, John Witherspoon was always confident. JONN WITHERSPOON (i722 One hor day during the debate on the Declaration of Independence a timtd 1794) Bora in Scotlan. on delegate was deprecating prompt ratification because, he feared, ‘we are not mipe for revolution.” Drawing himself up to his great height, the Reverend Doctor Witherspoon interrupted, “Not ripe! sir, We are not only ripe but rotting!” Love of country, like love of family, is noble. But neither quality means much without appropriate action, Men like John Witherspoon left a nation to your family. What will you le to ensure your family enjoying this great heritage in comfort and safety? "HE simplest and yet most come 3 PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA plete estate you can leav family is Monthly In surance. The Pru \< EDWARD D. DUFFIELD 2 HOME OFFICE: NEWARK President “ Netw Jersey IF EVERY WIFE KNEW WHAT EVERY WIDOW KNOWS — EVERY HUSBAND WOULD BE INSURED comicbooks.com'