Al Capone quotes

Al Capone was an infamous American gangster who became a prominent figure during the Prohibition era. His criminal empire was involved in illegal alcohol distribution, gambling, and violence in Chicago. He became one of the most notorious crime bosses in history before being imprisoned for tax evasion. Here are 52 of his quotes:

Capitalism is the legitimate racket of the ruling class.

Al Capone

I've been accused of every death except the casualty list of the World War.

Al Capone

This is virgin territory out here for whorehouses.

Al Capone

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.

Al Capone

Vote early and vote often.

Al Capone

Do I do business with Canadian racketeers? I don't even know what street Canada is on.

Al Capone

This American system of ours ... call it Americanism, call it capitalism, call it what you like, gives to each and every one of us a great opportunity if we only seize it with both hands and make the most of it.

Al Capone

Now I know why tigers eat their young.

Al Capone

Don't you get the idea I'm one of those goddam radicals. Don't get the idea I'm knocking the American system.

Al Capone

Be careful who you call your friends. I'd rather have four quarters than one hundred pennies.

Al Capone

It seems like I'm responsible for every crime that takes place in this country.

Al Capone

The funny part of the whole thing is that a man in this line of business has so much company. I mean his customers. If people did not want beer and wouldn't drink it, a fellow would be crazy for going around trying to sell it!

Al Capone

I'm a businessman. I've made my money supplying a popular demand. If I break the law, my customers are as guilty as I am.

Al Capone

I'll go as deep in my pockets as any man to help any guy that needs help. I can't stand to see anybody hungry or cold or helpless.

Al Capone

I violate the Prohibition law, sure, Who doesn't? The only difference is that I take more chances than the man who drinks a cocktail before dinner and a flock of highballs after it.

Al Capone

Things people know about amuse them. They like to laugh over them and make jokes. When a speakeasy is raided, there are a few hysterical people, but the general mass are light hearted. On the other hand, do you know any of your friends who'd go into fits of merriment if they feared being taken for a ride?

Al Capone

I don't want to end up in the gutter punctured by machine gun slugs.

Al Capone

I want peace, and I will live and let live. I'm like any other man. I've been in this racket long enough to realize that a man in my game must take the breaks, the fortunes of war. I haven't had any peace of mind in years. Every minute I'm in danger of death.

Al Capone

Every time a boy falls off a tricycle, every time a black cat has gray kittens, every time someone stubs a toe, every time there's a murder or a fire or the Marines land in Nicaragua, the police and the newspapers holler, 'Get Capone!' I'm sick of it. As soon as I possibly can, I'll clear out of here.

Al Capone

I'm the boss. I'm going to continue to run things. They've been putting the roscoe on me for a good many years and I'm still healthy and happy. Don't let anybody kid you into thinking I can be run out of town. I haven't run yet and I'm not going to.

Al Capone

It's hard, dangerous work, aside from any hate at all, and when a fellow works hard at any line of business he wants to go home and forget about it. He don't want to be afraid to sit near a window or an open door.

Al Capone

There's always some wiseacre who stands in the wings and criticizes. You've got two choices. You either buy these wiseacres off by giving them jobs... or you scare them off. If they don't scare, you take them in the alley. When they get out of the hospital, if they still want to squawk, you get rid of them.

Al Capone