The Penalty of Success Is To Be Bored By the People Who Used To Snub You
“The penalty Source of success is to be bored by the people who used to snub you.”
Success changes everything. ASTOR, Nancy Witcher (Viscountess Astor) (1879-1964), of 4 St James’s Square, Westminster – History of Parliament Online You climb the ladder, achieve your goals, and suddenly everyone wants your attention. However, there’s an ironic twist waiting at the top. Those same people who ignored you before now crowd around you. They seek your company, your approval, your time. Yet their newfound interest often feels hollow and tedious.
This clever observation captures a universal truth about social climbing. Moreover, it highlights the disappointing reality many successful people face. The quote has been attributed to various figures throughout history. Nevertheless, tracing its origins reveals a fascinating journey through newspapers and quotation books.
The First Appearance in Print
The saying first appeared in American newspapers during the summer of 1880. Source Specifically, the Harrisburg Daily Independent in Pennsylvania published it on August 10. The newspaper included it among brief items called “Localettes.” Interestingly, no author received credit for the observation.
The statement read: “The penalty of success is to be bored by the attentions of people who used to snub you.” This anonymous wisdom struck a chord with readers. Consequently, other publications quickly picked it up. The next day, multiple newspapers across different states republished the quote.
The Observer in Raleigh, North Carolina featured it under “Observations.” Meanwhile, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in Missouri included it in “Hot Weather Wit.” This rapid spread demonstrates how popular sayings traveled through press networks. Furthermore, it shows the power of relatable social commentary.
Early Variations and Evolution
Within a week, subtle changes began appearing. The Bloomington Daily Pantagraph in Illinois modified the quote on August 17, 1880. They used “attention” instead of “attentions.” Additionally, The Howard Courant in Kansas published a condensed version in 1881. This version eliminated the word “attention” entirely.
These variations reveal how sayings evolve through repetition. Each publication tweaked the wording slightly. Nevertheless, the core message remained consistent. Success attracts former snubbers, but their company proves boring. This truth resonated across different regions and publications.
Mary Wilson Little and the Paragrapher’s Art
The attribution mystery deepened in 1897. A book titled “Reveries of a Paragrapher” appeared that year. The author identified themselves only as M. W. L. In that era, “paragrapher” meant something specific. These writers specialized in crafting short, clever observations.
The book’s title page maintained complete anonymity. However, a 1904 edition revealed the full identity. Mary Wilson Little had compiled these remarks from her periodical contributions. Moreover, she presented herself as the author of various witticisms.
Little’s version used “formerly” instead of “used to.” It read: “The penalty of success is to be bored by the attentions of people who formerly snubbed you.” She included this alongside other observations about time, virtue, and human nature. Indeed, her collection showcased a particular style of brief, pointed commentary.
The Philadelphia Connection
Contemporary reviews provided interesting context about Little’s background. The Philadelphia Times published an appreciative review in 1897. While maintaining discretion, it effectively revealed her identity. The review described her as a well-known Philadelphia lady.
Furthermore, she was identified as the daughter of an eminent physician. This painted a picture of privilege and education. She engaged in writing as a genteel pursuit rather than professional necessity. Additionally, the review suggested she “dashed off” her wise sayings in leisure moments.
This context matters when evaluating authorship claims. Little published the saying seventeen years after its first anonymous appearance. Therefore, questions arise about whether she originated it or simply popularized an existing aphorism.
The Twentieth Century Spread
The saying continued its journey through American print culture. In 1913, The News and Observer featured an anonymous version. This time, it used “penalties” in the plural. By 1925, the Scribbler of Fort Scott, Kansas introduced an apparent error. They substituted “formally” for “formerly,” creating a confusing phrase.
The widely-syndicated column “Office Cat” featured the saying in 1941. This appearance exposed the quotation to readers nationwide. Consequently, it became further embedded in popular culture. However, the column offered no attribution.
The Attribution Confusion Deepens
The mid-twentieth century brought serious attribution attempts. In 1949, Evan Esar published “The Dictionary of Humorous Quotations.” He credited Mary Wilson Little with the saying. Nevertheless, his entry revealed research challenges.
Esar listed Little’s birth year as “1880?” with a question mark. Ironically, 1880 was when the saying first appeared anonymously. This confusion highlights the difficulties facing quotation researchers. Furthermore, it demonstrates how misinformation can spread through reference works.
New Names Enter the Mix
The 1950s brought a flurry of new attributions. In May 1953, columnist Earl Wilson credited someone named Charley Jones. He introduced the item with “Wish I’d said that.” Just two months later, things changed again.
The columnist Cholly Knickerbocker attributed the saying to Nancy Astor in July 1953. Source Nancy Astor was a prominent British politician and the first woman to serve in Parliament. That same month, columnist Sheilah Graham also credited Lady Astor. Moreover, Graham added commentary about movie stars forgetting old acquaintances.
These multiple attributions create confusion. Each columnist presented their version with confidence. However, the saying had been circulating for decades before any of these figures used it.
Modern Reference Works Acknowledge the Mystery
By 1992, the confusion received official recognition. Rosalie Maggio compiled “The Beacon Book of Quotations by Women.” Her entry acknowledged dual attribution. Specifically, she noted the saying had been ascribed to Nancy Astor in 1956. Additionally, she recognized Mary Wilson Little’s claim to a slightly different version.
This acknowledgment represents intellectual honesty. Maggio didn’t force a single attribution. Instead, she presented the competing claims. Furthermore, she highlighted the subtle differences between versions.
Analyzing the Evidence
The historical record suggests a complex picture. The anonymous 1880 appearance predates Little’s published claim by seventeen years. This substantial gap raises important questions. Did Little originate the saying, or did she adopt an existing aphorism?
The fact that it circulated anonymously for nearly two decades matters. Little’s collection appeared only in 1897. Therefore, reasonable doubt exists about her being the original creator. Nevertheless, she may have popularized it among educated readers.
As for Charley Jones and Nancy Astor, the evidence is clearer. Both used the expression decades after its first appearance. Their association likely stems from repetition in prominent contexts. Columnists noticed when famous people repeated the saying. Consequently, they assumed these figures originated it.
The Social Truth Behind the Words
Regardless of authorship, the saying captures something profound. Success fundamentally changes social dynamics. People who previously dismissed you suddenly want access. They seek your time, advice, and association. However, their motives often feel transparent and self-serving.
This creates a peculiar form of loneliness. You’re surrounded by people but feel isolated. Moreover, conversations become predictable and shallow. Former snubbers rarely offer genuine connection. Instead, they seek reflected glory or personal advantage.
The observation also highlights human nature’s less admirable aspects. People gravitate toward success and power. Furthermore, they often abandon previous judgments when circumstances change. This flexibility reveals both pragmatism and hypocrisy.
Why Attribution Matters
The journey of this quotation illustrates broader issues in attribution. Popular sayings gain momentum through repetition. Each time a prominent figure uses them, new attribution claims emerge. Additionally, quotation collectors face significant research challenges.
Without digital databases, tracking origins proved difficult. Researchers relied on printed sources and memory. Consequently, gaps and errors multiplied. Furthermore, the desire to attribute wisdom to famous figures created bias. Anonymous gems got assigned to celebrities retroactively.
This pattern affects how we understand intellectual history. We credit famous people with observations that may have originated elsewhere. Moreover, we overlook the anonymous wisdom that circulated through newspapers and conversation.
Lessons for Modern Success
The quote’s enduring relevance suggests timeless truth. Modern success brings similar challenges. Social media amplifies the phenomenon. Your follower count rises, and suddenly everyone engages with your posts. However, many connections feel superficial.
Successful people today face the same boring attention from former snubbers. LinkedIn requests multiply after promotions. Old acquaintances suddenly remember your existence. Nevertheless, genuine relationships remain rare and precious.
The key lies in maintaining perspective. Success reveals character rather than creating it. Furthermore, it exposes who truly values you versus who values your status. Therefore, successful people must cultivate discernment about relationships.
Conclusion
The penalty of success remains being bored by people who used to snub you. This observation first appeared anonymously in 1880. Subsequently, it traveled through newspapers and quotation books. Various figures received credit, including Mary Wilson Little and Nancy Astor.
The seventeen-year gap between first appearance and Little’s publication raises questions. Nevertheless, she may have popularized the saying among educated readers. Later attributions to Jones and Astor likely stem from their prominent repetition rather than original authorship.
Ultimately, the saying’s power transcends its origins. It captures a universal experience of social climbing. Success changes relationships in disappointing ways. Former snubbers become boring supplicants. This ironic penalty accompanies achievement across cultures and eras. Therefore, the wisdom remains relevant regardless of who first expressed it.