John Gotti, also known as “The Teflon Don,” was a notorious American mobster and boss of the Gambino crime family. Despite his criminal activities, Gotti was also known for his charismatic personality and his way with words. Many of his quotes have become legendary and are often referenced in popular culture. In this article, we will explore some of the most memorable Gotti quotes that showcase his wit, charm, and ruthless mindset.
John Gotti once famously said, “I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.” This quote reflects Gotti’s fearless attitude and his belief in the power of honesty. He lived in a world where deception was the norm, but he chose to stand out by speaking his mind openly and honestly.
Another notable Gotti quote is, “I don’t mind if my skull ends up on a shelf as long as it’s got my name on it.” This quote exemplifies Gotti’s unwavering loyalty to his family and his willingness to sacrifice everything for them. He was fully aware of the dangers he faced as a mob boss but was unafraid of the consequences as long as his legacy remained intact.
Read these Gotti quotes
“I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.”
“I don’t mind if my skull ends up on a shelf as long as it’s got my name on it.”
“A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults.”
“Don’t carry a gun. It’s nice to have them close by, but don’t carry them. You might get arrested.”
“I never got into politics for it to be a career. It doesn’t take a lot of strength to hang on. It takes a lot of strength to let go.”
“I have a lot of money stashed away, but none of it was gotten illegally.”
“I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.”
“I’m a gangster, and I’ve always been a gangster. There’s a difference between being a gangster and a criminal. A gangster is someone who steals without using violence. A criminal is someone who steals with violence.”
“Don’t ever take a plea deal. It’s about the government winning. They only win if you take a plea deal. If you go to trial, it’s about who’s got the better lawyer.”
“When I lost my mother, I thought I was going to die. When I lost my son, I knew I was going to die. And when I lost my other son, I died.”
“I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.”
“I had to get into the garbage business because I couldn’t find a job that paid as well. I started at the bottom and worked my way up.”
“I had a lot of bad luck with women. I married most of them.”
“The streets are always watching, and I learned that early on. The streets are always watching, and they’re always talking.”
“I’m not guilty of anything, but I’m guilty of being a boss. They’re going to find me guilty of being a boss, but not guilty of anything else.”
“I don’t know if I’m a good person or a bad person. I’m just a guy trying to make a living and trying to keep my family together.”
“I don’t wish death on nobody, but if there’s a guy who’s been killing people and he’s going to kill more, I’d rather he be dead than me.”
“If you’re going to do something, do it big. Don’t do it small. Do it big and make sure everybody knows you did it.”
“I’m not going to change who I am just because some judge tells me to. I’m not going to change who I am because some lawyer tells me to. I’m not going to change who I am because some cop tells me to. I am who I am, and that’s not going to change.”
“I’m not a big fan of violence, but if somebody comes at me with a bat, I’m going to come back at them with a gun. That’s just the way it is.”
“I never lie because I don’t fear anyone. You only lie when you’re afraid.”
These Gotti quotes provide a glimpse into the mind of a man who lived life on his own terms, unapologetically and fearlessly. While some may see him as a criminal, there is no denying his impact on the world and the lasting legacy of his words.
