Nothing Succeeds Like Undress

Anonymous

“On meurt deux fois, je le vois bien :

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Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable,

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C’est une mort insupportable :

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Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.” The adage “Nothing Succeeds Like Undress” humorously captures attention, intertwining notions of success with sartorial minimalism. This phrase, often mistakenly credited to Dorothy Parker, actually traces its roots back to early 20th-century American journalism. To understand this quip’s origins, we must explore the broader context of proverbs and their playful adaptations. ## The Evolution of a Proverb The expression “Nothing succeeds like success” originated in France in the 1820s. Jacques-François Ancelot first coined the phrase “Rien ne réussit comme un succès” in 1827 . The English version surfaced in literature by November 1847 through Alexandre Dumas’s translated works. This proverb set the stage for creative reinterpretations. ### Oscar Wilde’s Influence Oscar Wilde, known for his wit, contributed to this tradition. In his 1893 play “A Woman of No Importance,” Wilde cleverly altered the expression to “Nothing succeeds like excess.” This twist highlighted the dangers of moderation, especially in societal norms and behaviors. Wilde’s adaptation encouraged others to experiment with similar linguistic play. ### Variations and Adaptations In March 1904, “The Toronto Daily Star” offered a cynical view: “Nothing recedes like success.” This version emphasized success’s fleeting nature. By November 1904, Duncan M. Smith in Arkansas presented a slight modification, “Nothing recedes like ex-success,” adding a humorous nod to past glories. ## Emergence of “Nothing Succeeds Like Undress” The specific phrase “Nothing Succeeds Like Undress” appeared in January 1906 in the “New Castle Herald” of Pennsylvania. Attributed to “Town Topics,” it circulated without a named author, reflecting its anonymous origin. Soon after, the “Los Angeles Herald” echoed this sentiment, illustrating its rapid spread across the U.S. ### Dorothy Parker’s Contribution Dorothy Parker only later adopted this quip. In April 1918, she included it in her “Vanity Fair” column, “A Succession of Musical Comedies.” Reviewing a theatrical production, Parker remarked on the “fine old Shubert precept that nothing succeeds like undress,” noting the predictable, yet effective, use of minimal costuming. Her commentary, while sharp, merely reiterated a joke already popular in American culture. ## Continuing Legacy The phrase continued to appear in various publications. By 1921, a Vancouver newspaper referenced it as a “Motto for the Broadway theatrical producer,” further cementing its place in entertainment lore. In 1935, “The Cincinnati Enquirer” cited it as a “Revue producer’s slogan,” acknowledging its widespread recognition. ### Analyzing the Phenomenon In 1978, Evan Esar’s “The Comic Encyclopedia” analyzed these playful proverbs. Source Esar noted that altering familiar sayings often generates humor, with minor changes yielding significant effects. He mentioned Wilde’s “Nothing succeeds like excess” alongside “Nothing recedes like success,” illustrating this phenomenon . ## Conclusion The phrase “Nothing Succeeds Like Undress” exemplifies the enduring appeal of tweaking familiar proverbs for comedic effect. While often linked to Dorothy Parker, its true origins lie in the early 1900s, showcasing the creative spirit of anonymous American wit. This saying, like many others, demonstrates how humor evolves, reflecting societal attitudes and cultural nuances.

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