--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I didn’t know anything about “made men”…" description: "\"“I didn’t know anything about “made men” back then. That’s a special status in the alleged mob where you go through a ceremony and after that you are t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/charles-brandt-2101_quote_i-didn-t-know-anything-about-made-men-ba_703665.jpg" --- # I didn’t know anything about “made men” back then. That’s… ![“I didn’t know anything about “made men” back then. That’s a special status in the alleged mob where you go through a ceremony and after that you are then untouchable. Nobody can whack you without approval. You get extra respect wherever you go. You are part of the “in” crowd, the inner circle. It…” quote by Charles Brandt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/charles-brandt-2101_quote_i-didn-t-know-anything-about-made-men-ba_703665.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/charles-brandt-2101_quote_i-didn-t-know-anything-about-made-men-ba_703665.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/877/charles-brandt-2101_quote_i-didn-t-know-anything-about-made-men-ba_703665.jpg) > ““I didn’t know anything about “made men” back then. That’s a special status in the alleged mob where you go through a ceremony and after that you are then untouchable. Nobody can whack you without approval. You get extra respect wherever you go. You are part of the “in” crowd, the inner circle. It only applies to Italians. Later on I got so close to Russell that I was higher up than a made man. Russell even said that to me. He said, “Nobody can ever touch you because you are with me.” I can still feel him gripping my cheek with that strong grip of his and telling me, “You should have been an Italian.” If”” [Charles Brandt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-brandt/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote reflects how affiliation with powerful figures can grant perceived invulnerability and status. **In simple terms:** Powerful connections bring perceived protection. Key Takeaway Seek authentic respect, not just status. Themes power status belonging Mood cautious reflective Type narrative reflective When to use this quote - corporate politics - organized crime - sports teams - political circles Key Concepts social hierarchy identity loyalty Questions to Reflect On - Do you value status over integrity? - How does belonging affect your decisions? A Different Perspective Relying on others' protection can be risky. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Applies Italians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/applies-italians-5565153/) [Extra Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/extra-respect-5565152/) [Italians Later](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/italians-later-5565155/) [Mob Ceremony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mob-ceremony-5565154/) [Russell Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/russell-said-1531075/) ## Related quotes > [“Russell said something in Sicilian about stormy weather conditions that roughly translates into “You never can tell how things are going to work out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-brandt/russell-said-something-in-sicilian-about-stormy-weather-conditions/) [Charles Brandt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-brandt/) > [“Giancana was taken care of in his kitchen in the back of the head and then under the chin six times, Sicilian style, to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-brandt/giancana-was-taken-care-of-in-his-kitchen-in-the-back-of-the-head-and/) [Charles Brandt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-brandt/) > [“Bill handed me an envelope. 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