A lawsuit with no legal precedent, seeking no damages, from no jury, in the name of stopping something that isn't happening? Only in New York.

In this quote, Kenneth Langone is expressing his disbelief and frustration with a particular lawsuit in New York, which he describes as having no legal precedent, seeking no damages, and not involving a jury. Langone points out the absurdity of the situation, suggesting that this legal action is based on trying to stop something that isn’t actually happening. His comment highlights the irrationality he perceives in the lawsuit, implying that it is an example of the kind of frivolous or unnecessary legal action that he believes can sometimes arise in a place like New York.

The origin of the quote stems from Langone’s involvement in business and his perspective on litigation. As a successful entrepreneur and investor, Langone likely has a strong opinion on legal matters, particularly regarding what he sees as unwarranted lawsuits that lack clear legal or factual grounds. His frustration with this particular case is compounded by the fact that it is pursuing action against something that isn’t even occurring, which he finds to be an inappropriate use of the legal system.

By saying "Only in New York," Langone is using the city as a shorthand for what he perceives as an environment where lawsuits, especially those without merit, can sometimes be brought forth. He suggests that this type of legal behavior is unique to New York’s legal culture, which he believes may be more prone to unnecessary litigation than other places.

Ultimately, Langone’s quote reflects his view on the excessive and sometimes unfounded nature of certain lawsuits, particularly in the context of a city known for its fast-paced and complex legal and business environment. His statement points out the absurdity of legal actions that are disconnected from real-world issues, calling attention to what he sees as a misuse of the court system.