By Marla Eggar

Anyone familiar with Facebook has come across the thousands of memes with a famous gangster pose and some intriguing advice about life. Most of this insight was not actually quoted by the mobster themselves it’s solely done to emphasize a point, play up the dramatics or for entertainment purposes only. So, with this in mind I decided to track down some of my favorite all time gangsters and their foresight, insight & gumption for life. (Not everyone on my list is considered a “traditional mobsters/gangster…” then again, my definition of a gangster sometime differs from others)

Cesare Borgia: In the Garden of Eden Eve showed more courage than Adam… when the serpent offered the forbidden fruit. She knew that there was something better than paradise.

Al Capone: Hell must be a pretty swell spot, because the guys that invented religion have sure been trying hard to keep everybody else out.

Madame St. Clair: As ye sow, shall ye reap.

John Gotti: If you think your boss is stupid just remember: you wouldn’t have a job if he was any smarter.

Cesare Borgia: Never presume that I will not act on my worst instincts.

Lucky Luciano: Don’t bend over. It’s too hard to stand straight again.

Arnold Rothstein: There’s only so much you can teach a person until you reach the limits of his capabilities.

Bugsy Siegel: Las Vegas turns women into men and men into idiots.

Bugsy Siegel: Everybody deserves a fresh start every once in a while.

Carlo Gambino: You have to be like a lion and a fox. The fox is smart enough to recognize traps, and the lion is strong enough to scare away the wolves. Be like a lion and a fox, and no one will ever beat you.

Salvatore Maranzano: The world is changing and there are new opportunities for those who are ready to join forces with those who are stronger and more experienced.

Frank Costello: We’re all gonna die, let’s act accordingly.

Joseph Bonanno: Mafia is a process, not a thing. Mafia is a form of clan – cooperation to which it’s individual members pledge lifelong loyalty….Friendship, connections, family ties, trust, loyalty, obedience – this was the glue that held us together.

Sam Giancana: One hand washes the other…both hands wash the face.

Cesare Borgia: Impossible loves. I am very much afraid they can become an addiction.

Meyer Lansky: All you have to do is recognize an opportunity.

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