Context

This line is from the book Green Eggs and Ham, written by Dr. Seuss (1960).

Sam-I-Am really, really wants this guy to try green eggs and ham. It's a simple request, really, but the dude isn't into it. He tells Sam at least once a page that he doesn't want to try it—here, there, or anywhere.

The story behind this hilarious work is that Dr. Seuss' editor bet him he couldn't write a book using only 50 words. And now, because of that bet, the whole world knows what green eggs and ham are. And who Sam-I-Am is. We all know the unnamed character and his initial aversion to the dish. At heart, this book is about getting over yourself and trying something new, even though at first you think you may not like it. Don't get us wrong, this doesn't apply to every situation, but you get the point.

Where you've heard it

If you follow politics, you might remember Ted Cruz reading this during a 21-hour filibuster in 2013. It's also going to be a Netflix series. And if you'd ever like to try green eggs and ham yourself, there are quite a few recipes online.

Additional Notable References:

• An inmate protesting his prison diet sent a boiled egg to a federal judge to complain, and the judge hilariously replied with a very Seuss-like note.
• The book was banned in China from 1965 to 1991 due to its references to early Marxism.
• Here is a song version of the book.
• If you like green eggs and ham, some restaurants actually serve it, especially near Dr. Seuss day.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Just try the green eggs and ham before you get all judge-y.