The phrase “Cheer up—the worst is yet to come” is a masterpiece of cynical wit. It perfectly captures a certain brand of pessimistic humor. Many people attribute this clever line to the great American author, Mark Twain. His reputation for sharp, satirical commentary makes him a likely candidate. The quote feels like something he would have written.
However, a closer look at the historical record tells a different story. Despite its widespread association with him, there is no evidence that Mark Twain ever wrote or said these words. The quote simply does not appear in his extensive collection of books, essays, letters, or speeches.
Unraveling the Misattribution
How do we know Twain isn’t the source? Dedicated quote investigators have scoured his works for decades. They search digital archives and physical texts to verify famous sayings. In this case, their search came up empty. Experts who specialize in authenticating quotations have found no direct link to Twain. Extensive research by quote investigators has failed to find the phrase “Cheer up—the worst is yet to come” in any of Mark Twain’s published writings, personal letters, or recorded speeches.
This is a common phenomenon. Famous figures often become magnets for quotes they never uttered. A witty or profound saying gains more traction when attached to a well-known name. Twain, along with figures like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, is a frequent victim of misattribution. His established brand of humor makes it easy for people to believe he authored any number of cynical remarks. Over time, repetition solidifies the connection in the public mind, even without any factual basis.
The Real Origin of the Quote
So, if Twain didn’t say it, who did? The earliest known appearance of this phrase points to a different writer entirely. Evidence suggests the line originated with an American humorist named Philander Chase Johnson. Johnson was a journalist and poet known for his light verse and witty observations.
The quote appeared in a 1919 collection of his work titled “Everybody’s Magazine.” It was part of a series of short, humorous lines under the heading “Shooting Stars.” The line was presented exactly as we know it today. Later, in 1920, the Indianapolis News reprinted the saying and explicitly credited Johnson. These early printings provide a clear and documented origin, long before the quote was ever associated with Mark Twain.
Why Johnson’s Credit Faded
Philander Chase Johnson was a respected humorist in his time. However, his fame did not endure like Mark Twain’s. As decades passed, Twain’s literary legacy grew into a global phenomenon. Johnson’s name, unfortunately, faded into relative obscurity. It became easier and more compelling to attribute the clever quote to the household name everyone recognized. The misattribution likely gained steam through word-of-mouth and later, through the internet. An unverified quote attached to a famous author can spread rapidly online, cementing a falsehood as fact.
A Lesson in Quotation
Ultimately, the journey of this quote is a fascinating case study. It shows how easily history can be distorted. A witty line from a lesser-known humorist found a new, more famous home. While Mark Twain’s spirit certainly aligns with the quote’s sentiment, the credit belongs to Philander Chase Johnson.
This story serves as a valuable reminder. It encourages us to be curious about the origins of the words we share. The next time you see a quote attributed to a famous person, it might be worth a quick search. You may discover an interesting story and an unsung author who deserves the recognition.