"I choose not to ..."
Asked by
rodvand (
133
)
January 14th, 2008
I was just watching an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry states “I choose not to run!” and I started to wonder where this statement “I choose not to” originated from. Did anyone use it in a famous speech or similar?
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“The only reason Calvin Coolidge gave for not running for president of the United States was: “I choose not to run for President in 1928.”
Google is your friend
fyi… I choose not to eat Okra… fried, boiled, or pickled. There. I said it.
There is a story by Herman Melville called “Bartleby” where a bookkeeper responds to all of his employer’s request with “I’d prefer not to…” and it is quite the existential piece. You may find it an interesting read.
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-street appears to be available unabridged online at Bartleby.com.
Neato!
“I prefer not to,” he replied in a flute-like tone. It seemed to me that while I had been addressing him, he carefully revolved every statement that I made; fully comprehended the meaning; could not gainsay the irresistible conclusion; but, at the same time, some paramount consideration prevailed with him to reply as he did.
“If nominated I will not run, if elected I will not serve”...
~ Pat Paulson
The Smothers Brothers Show
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