The basic creed of the gangster, and for that matter of…
““The basic creed of the gangster, and for that matter of any other type of criminal, is that whatever a man has is his only so long as he can keep it, and that the one who takes it away from him has not done anything wrong, but has merely demonstrated his smartness.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Criminals view possession as rightful only while they can defend it, and see theft as cleverness, not wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Criminals think owning things is fine only if they can keep them, and stealing is smart.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that power often masks moral ambiguity.
Themes
crime
morality
power
perception
justice
Mood
cynical
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal disputes
- personal relationships
- business negotiations
- political conflicts
Key Concepts
ownership rights
ethical relativism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines rightful ownership?
- How does power influence moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
It ignores the victims' rights and societal harm caused by theft.