Al Capone, one of the most infamous gangsters in American history, was known not just for his criminal empire but also for his sharp wit and bold statements. Despite his notorious reputation, many of Capone’s quotes reflect a mix of street smarts, cynicism, and a unique perspective on power and life. Here are quotes attributed to Al Capone that offer a glimpse into his mind and the world he navigated.
Best Al Capone Quotes
“You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone.”
“I am just a businessman, giving the people what they want.”
“Capitalism is the legitimate racket of the ruling class.”
“I’m a kind person; I’m kind to everyone, but if you are unkind to me, then kindness is not what you’ll remember me for.”
“Prohibition has made nothing but trouble.”
“All I ever did was supply a demand that was pretty popular.”
“I don’t even know what street Canada is on.”
“Hell must be a pretty swell spot, because the guys that invented religion have sure been trying hard to keep everybody else out.”
“I have built my organization upon fear.”
“I’m the boss. I’m going to continue to run things my way.”
“Be careful who you call your friends. I’d rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies.”
“I have been spending the best years of my life as a public benefactor.”
“You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun.”
“I’ll give three cheers for Labor Day if we are alive and have our freedom.”
“This American system of ours, call it Americanism, call it capitalism, call it what you like, gives each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it.”
“Some call it bootlegging. Some call it racketeering. I call it a business.”
“Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. I am kind to everyone, but when someone is unkind to me, weak is not what you are going to remember about me.”
“I have spent the best years of my life giving people the lighter pleasures, helping them have a good time, and all I get is abuse, the existence of a hunted man.”
“The country wanted booze and I organized it. Why should I be called a public enemy?”
“The only thing I ever did was supply a public demand.”
“My rackets are run on strictly American lines and they’re going to stay that way.”
“Public service is my motto.”
“The funny part of this whole thing is that a man in the liquor business, the legal liquor business, doesn’t have to pay any taxes.”
“The prohibition law is a joke. It doesn’t work.”
“Now I know why tigers eat their young.”
“It seems like I’m responsible for every crime that takes place in this country.”
“I’m just a regular guy who likes his work.”
“The American people are so tired of being hungry and out of work that they’ll take anything.”
“What do you want to do, get yourself killed before you’re 30?”
“When I sell liquor, it’s bootlegging. When my patrons serve it on a silver tray on Lakeshore Drive, it’s hospitality.”
“I don’t care what the papers say about me as long as they spell my name right.”
“The world belongs to the patient man.”
“You’d be surprised if you knew how many men in this business have no brains.”
“They talk about me not being able to hold public office. I’d like to run for office someday.”
“A smile can get you far, but a smile with a gun can get you further.”
“I’ve spent more money on this trial than I’ve earned in my whole life.”
“All I ever did was to sell beer and whiskey to our best people.”
“You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot further with a smile and a gun.”
“I’m tired of being called a criminal. I’ve done nothing but give the public what it wanted.”
“Hell, they got my name wrong in the papers. It’s Alphonse, not Alfonso.”
“I believe in living for today, not for tomorrow.”
“You accomplish more with a smile, a handshake, and a gun than you do with just a smile and a handshake.”
“Don’t worry about it. The more you talk, the less they listen.”
“I don’t know how the police know what they do. They must be psychic.”
“I got nothing against the honest cop on the beat. You just have them transferred someplace where they can’t do you any harm.”
“You can get more with a smile and a gun than you can get with just a smile.”
“All I ever did was provide the people with what they wanted.”
“I’ve been accused of every crime except murder.”
“We been on the road since Monday, playing one-nighters. So far, it’s been swell.”
“You’ve gotta do what you gotta do.”
“They can’t collect legal taxes from illegal money.”
“I’ve spent the best years of my life giving people the lighter pleasures, helping them have a good time, and all I get is abuse, the existence of a hunted man.”
“I’m a businessman. I’ve got people to take care of.”
“I never lie. I’ll say something in the heat of battle, but I’ll never lie.”
“There’s plenty of business for everybody.”
“There is no such thing as good money or bad money. There’s just money.”
“You accomplish more with a gun than with a kind word.”
“The toughest guys I knew were the quietest ones.”
“I’m not worried about my image. I’m worried about my people.”
How Al Capone’s Quotes Offer Insight into Leadership, Power, and Human Nature
Understanding Al Capone’s Mindset:
While Al Capone is remembered primarily as a gangster, his quotes reflect a complex understanding of power, influence, and human behavior. His words, though often associated with criminal activities, also reveal sharp observations about life and the nature of authority. These quotes are more than just historical curiosities; they offer a window into the mindset of someone who navigated the dark underbelly of society with cunning and strategy.
Why These Quotes Matter:
- Power and Influence: Capone’s quotes often touch on the nature of power and how it can be wielded effectively. His perspective can be a lesson in understanding the dynamics of control, influence, and leadership.
- Human Nature: Many of Capone’s observations reflect a keen understanding of human behavior—what motivates people, how they react to authority, and the thin line between respect and fear.
- Street Wisdom: Capone’s quotes carry a certain street-smart wisdom that, while rooted in his criminal activities, can still resonate with those who navigate challenging environments.
- Historical Context: His words also provide a glimpse into the Prohibition era, a time when organized crime flourished in response to societal changes, offering valuable lessons on the consequences of law and policy.
Incorporating Al Capone’s Insights Into Daily Life:
- Strategic Thinking: Capone’s quotes can inspire strategic thinking and the importance of understanding human psychology in any leadership role. Use his insights to think more critically about influence and power dynamics in your own life.
- Resilience and Adaptability: His attitude toward adversity can be a lesson in resilience. Capone often thrived under pressure and turned challenges into opportunities—qualities that are valuable in both personal and professional life.
- Cautionary Tale: While his quotes can be intriguing, they also serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises that can accompany the pursuit of power.
- Perspective on Authority: Capone’s reflections on authority and the law can encourage a deeper examination of societal structures and personal ethics, helping you to navigate your own beliefs and values.
Why This Topic is Helpful:
Al Capone’s quotes offer a unique blend of historical insight, leadership lessons, and reflections on human nature. By examining his words, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of power and influence, the importance of resilience, and the consequences of living on the edge of society’s rules. While Capone’s life was far from exemplary, his quotes remain relevant for those interested in leadership, strategy, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Final Thoughts:
Al Capone’s legacy is a complicated one, but his quotes endure as powerful reflections on life, power, and survival in a world of shifting loyalties and constant danger. By studying his words, we can better understand the mindset of one of history’s most infamous figures and apply those lessons to our own challenges and triumphs.