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In MyMemeCards, the meme card game, “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” is a common card of the Memes World series 73, number 21731 of the collection, and the 120th best-known meme of its 300 cards. Here is what the meme means, where it comes from, and how to get its card.
What does the “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” meme mean?
This meme captures the allure of narrative disobedience or inevitable fate. It highlights the emotion of a character who, despite collective advice or caution, deliberately chooses the dangerous path. Users employ it to express ironic amusement at stubbornness or insatiable curiosity, emphasizing that the character knows they shouldn't act but does so regardless of the consequences.
Where does the “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” meme come from?
The meme originates from a text post on Tumblr by user sorion on May 21, 2013. This post applied the specific formula to the Star Trek franchise, though the exact identity of the speaker in the original context remains unknown. The format did not stem from a TV show or movie but from community creation on the social network. Spread accelerated quickly: on May 26, 2013, user hesitant-satan shared a similar version with screenshots, followed on August 9, 2013, by jordan-the-optimist who created a comic strip adaptation. While the English phrase may have existed orally earlier, the first documented occurrence is the May 21, 2013 post.
- May 21, 2013Publication of the original Tumblr post by user sorion applying the formula to Star Trek.
- May 26, 2013Spread of a similar variant accompanied by screenshots by user hesitant-satan.
- August 9, 2013Creation of a comic strip representation by user jordan-the-optimist.
How to use the “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” meme
- Use this template to comment on a movie hero's impulsive decision to open a cursed door despite warnings.
- Apply the "Name, no / Name, yes" structure to humorously summarize a video game character exploring a restricted area.
- Employ the condensed variant to describe a friend ignoring health advice and eating forbidden dessert immediately.
Also searched as
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- star trek meme no yes
- hesitant-satan tumblr
The “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” card in MyMemeCards
| Number | No. 21731 |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Common |
| Collection | Memes World series 73 |
| Fame | 65/100 · #120 of 300 |
| Recycle value | 5 MemeCoins (15 in Shiny) |
How to get the “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” card
Every pack holds 5 meme cards, the first 3 of them Common; Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing comes out of the Memes World series 73 as a common card. The pack odds say what each rarity weighs.
Your first pack is free and needs no account. After that a new free pack lands every 10 minutes, up to 3 waiting for you. You can also buy the card with MemeCoins on the market, bid for it at auction, or trade it — and a double recycles into 5 MemeCoins.
Open your free pack
5 meme cards, one of them at least Rare. One free pack per person.
Free · no account needed
Odds per card, averaged over a pack: Common 72%, Rare 23.9%, Epic 3.2%, Legendary 0.56%, Mythic 0.3%, Full Art ≤ 0.1%, Shiny 0.2%. Cards 1 to 3 are always Common, cards 4 and 5 climb the rarities. Rates drop for cards that circulate a lot. Details
Memes like “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing”
More cards of the Memes World series 73
Frequently asked questions
What does don't do the thing meme mean?
It refers to a format summarizing plots where a character ignores warnings to perform a forbidden action out of stubbornness.
Don't do the thing meme origin?
The meme comes from a Tumblr post published on May 21, 2013, by user sorion, with no direct link to a specific audiovisual work.
Who created don't do the thing?
The first documented occurrence is attributed to user sorion on Tumblr in May 2013, though the exact author of the initial concept remains unclear.
Don't do the thing star trek?
The first known application of the meme specifically concerned the Star Trek franchise in sorion's original post.
How do I get the Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing meme card?
Open a pack of MyMemeCards: “Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing” is a common card of the Memes World series 73. Your first pack is free, with no account, and you can also buy, trade or win the card at auction.
How rare is the Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do the Thing card?
It is a Common card. Rarity decides which pack slot can deal it, and what it is worth on the market.
Sources: Don't Do the Thing, I'm Going to Do ... · Name no! Name yes! - Don't do the thing · meme.com · memesEvery Meme Explained: Origins, Meaning & Impact | meme.com · checked on October 15, 2026.
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Open your free pack: 5 meme cards, no account needed.