WIST Quotations

Johnson, Philander -- “The Colyumist’s Confessional,” Everybody’s Magazine (May 1920)

Dave — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:21:48 +0000

Cheer up, the worst is yet to come.

Philander Johnson (1866–1939) American journalist, humorist, lyricist, playwright
“The Colyumist’s Confessional,” Everybody’s Magazine (May 1920)
(Source)

He refers to the phrase as a "rather unfeeling invitation to end a hard-luck story."

Twain, Mark -- Note (1896-11-26), Mark Twain’s Notebook, ch. 27 “England” (1935) [ed. Albert Bigelow Paine]

Dave — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 00:39:40 +0000

The best way to cheer yourself is to try to cheer somebody else up.

Mark Twain (1835–1910) American writer [pseud. of Samuel Clemens]
Note (1896-11-26), Mark Twain’s Notebook, ch. 27 “England” (1935) [ed. Albert Bigelow Paine]
(Source)

Written while in Guilford, England, shortly after the death of his daughter Susy in America.

Often given as "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." More discussion here.

~Other -- James Haggerty (1909-1981) Press Secretary to President Eisenhower

Dave — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 03:08:38 +0000

One day I sat thinking, almost in despair; a hand fell on my shoulder and a voice said reassuringly: cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse.

(Other Authors and Sources)
James Haggerty (1909-1981) Press Secretary to President Eisenhower