We are all asked, from time to time, to give our professional services for free. Sometimes we are delighted to do so, but often we do it because we just don’t know how to say No.

For those who have said yes when they meant no, I would like to share this ingenious letter from Groucho Marx to Alistair Cooke.

Groucho Marx TO ALISTAIR COOKE

July 8, 1957

Dear Mr. Cooke:

I was a little disappointed on receiving your rather lengthy letter, to find no mention of money. I am of course, an artist, with my head in the clouds. And I was very happy to be invited to appear, gratis or thereabouts, on “Meet the Press,” “The Last Word,” the City Center Theater in New York, two all-night telethons, etc. But my business manager, Mr. Gummo Marx, has a passion for money that is virtually a sickness. I am constantly being embarrassed by it. Still, he is my brother, and rather than upset him, I have to bow to his wishes.

I hope you and your charming wife are as happy and as gay as the weather permits, and that this note will not end our fragile friendship.

Regards,

Groucho

Posted by CM

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