Time decides that Gawker—which makes an appearance in Ch. 3—and its sourpuss worldview is “not only cruel but pointless.”
The above images were taken from a series of “work incentive” posters produced by Chicago’s Mather and Co. from 1923 until late 1929. (Click to enlarge.) Three guesses as to why Mather stopped production in late 1929, but what’s really on my mind is why always, with such motivational products, are we treated to animals, trees, the nurturing outdoors? I don’t buy that pastoral images are simply a nod to employee escape fantasies. Nah—too crude an explanation, never mind the dubious psychology. I mean, Edward Hopper evoked romance and frustrated longing with a filing cabinet. Shouldn’t be too hard to find visual inspiration in the modern office.
Work motivational posters should depict coworkers groping each other in the coat closet. Or scenes from an unemployment office.
In related news, Successories is having a 20% off sale.
UPDATE: I make some phone calls for The Big Money.