1. “A good friend is like a four-quarter moon. You can always count on him.” (Explanation: This rephrases Capone’s supposed quote, “I’d rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies,” emphasizing loyalty over quantity in friendships.)
2. “You get more flies with honey than with vinegar.” (Explanation: This proverb is commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but Capone may have used it to reflect his strategy of public generosity to mask his illegal activities.)
3. “Nobody goes straight in a crooked business.” (Explanation: This cynical quote highlights Capone’s belief that working within his criminal organization inevitably corrupted even honest people.)
4. “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about at all.” (Explanation: This quote reflects Capone’s desire for notoriety, even if it came through negative press.)
5. “Business is good. What’s your excuse?” (Explanation: This quote exemplifies Capone’s ruthless work ethic and his dismissal of those who weren’t as successful, likely in reference to his bootlegging operation.)
6. “A smile can get you far, but a gun gets you farther.” (Explanation: This chilling quote emphasizes Capone’s reliance on violence and intimidation to maintain control.)
7. “Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.” (Explanation: This quote, originally by George Herbert, might be a surprising choice for Capone. Perhaps it reflects a moment of regret or a desire for reconciliation with past enemies.)
8. “The public can be very forgiving. But memory is long.” (Explanation: This quote suggests Capone’s awareness of the public’s fickle nature and the lasting impact of his actions.)
9. “You can get much farther with a kind word and a gun than with a kind word alone.” (Explanation: This dark twist on a proverb highlights Capone’s belief that a combination of charm and force was the most effective strategy.)
10. “I’m not a businessman. I’m a businessman who gives the people what they want.” (Explanation: This quote portrays Capone as a provider, albeit of illegal goods, attempting to justify his actions to the public.)
11. “A man with a full stomach is not a revolutionary.” (Explanation: This quote suggests Capone’s understanding of social unrest and his belief that economic hardship fuels rebellion.)
12. “Laws are like spiderwebs; they catch the little ones and let the big ones go.” (Explanation: This quote reflects Capone’s cynicism towards the justice system, believing it favored the wealthy and powerful.)
13. “All wars are fought for money, and all money is fought for with war.” (Explanation: This cynical view suggests Capone saw war and violent conflict as inevitable consequences of economic greed.)
14. “Those who think they know everything are a nuisance to those who do.” (Explanation: This quote, while seemingly innocuous, might be a veiled threat towards those who underestimated Capone’s intelligence and ruthlessness.)
15. “When I go out, I want people to say ‘There goes a good guy’.” (Explanation: This quote contradicts Capone’s criminal image, perhaps revealing a desire for a different legacy or a self-justification for his actions.)
