1941 Young & Rubicam self-promo ad: even then, a pioneering Thought Leader.

(click ad, from a 1941 Time, via) Edgy, Y&R. Providing business folk with the kind of keen insight that would impel them to part with their ad money without hesitation. California is not an island (though, the next Big One could change that). Now, give us a million dollars. Here's a more recent Y&R self-promo ad from 2006—not as grandiose, but much more douchebag-ier. Previously in: terrible ad agency self-promo ads.