Mobster Quotes

Mobster Quotes

A collection of well-known quotes attributed to organized crime figures, law enforcement cases, and related cultural references. Many of these statements reflect the mindset, risks, and realities of organized crime life, though some attributions remain disputed or anecdotal.

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Al Capone

• “You can get much further with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.”
• “Once you’re in the racket, you’re always in it.”
• “Vote early and vote often.”
• “I am like any other man. All I do is supply a demand.”
• “Capitalism is the legitimate racket of the ruling class.”
• “I have built my organization upon fear.”
• “Prohibition has made nothing but trouble.”
• “This American system of ours, call it Americanism or capitalism, gives everyone an opportunity if they seize it.”
• “I don’t even know what street Canada is on.”
• “Now I know why tigers eat their young.”
• “My rackets are run on strictly American lines—and they’re going to stay that way.”
• “When I sell liquor, it’s bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it’s hospitality.”

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John Gotti

• “I never lie to any man because I don’t fear anyone. The only time you lie is when you are afraid.”
• “I would be a billionaire if I was looking to be a selfish boss. That’s not me.”
• “All I wanted was to be what I became.”
• “Be nice to bankers. Always be nice to pension fund managers. Always be nice to the media—in that order.”
• “If you think your boss is stupid, remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.”
• “I’m in the Gotti family; my wife’s the boss.” (remark made during media questioning)

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Other Organized Crime Figures

• Willie Sutton: “Because that’s where the money is.” (when asked why he robbed banks)
• Lucky Luciano: “If you have something people want and can’t get, you supply the demand and make money.”
• Joseph Massino: “There are three sides to every story: mine, yours, and the truth.”
• Vincent Basciano: “At the end of the day, we’re all gonna die in jail.”
• Benjamin “Lefty” Ruggiero: “A little violence never hurt anyone.”
• Michael Franzese: “I’ve seen more lives destroyed by gambling than drugs or alcohol.”
• Unknown: “A fish with its mouth closed never gets caught.”

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Notable Sayings and Anecdotes

• “This life of ours is a wonderful life—but it’s unpredictable. There are many ways you can ruin it.” — Paul Castellano
• “No one will ever kill me. They wouldn’t dare.” — Carmine Galante
• “We don’t break our captains. We kill them.” — Vincent Gigante (alleged remark)
• “Goodfellas don’t sue Goodfellas… Goodfellas kill Goodfellas.” — Salvatore Profaci (attributed)

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Disclaimer

Some quotes attributed to organized crime figures are based on interviews, memoirs, court testimony, or media reports. Others may be paraphrased, disputed, or part of popular culture rather than verified statements.