Infamous Gangster John Dillinger's Top Quotes to Inspire You

John Dillinger was a notorious American gangster who lived during the Great Depression era. He was known for his daring bank robberies and prison escapes, which earned him a reputation as a folk hero among some people. Despite his criminal activities, Dillinger was also famous for his witty remarks and clever one-liners. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of John Dillinger's most memorable quotes and explore the man behind the legend.

One of Dillinger's most famous quotes is, I rob banks because that's where the money is. This quip perfectly captures Dillinger's pragmatic approach to crime - he saw bank robbery as a way to make a quick profit without getting caught. Of course, as we know, Dillinger was eventually caught and killed by law enforcement, but his legacy lives on to this day.

Another memorable Dillinger quote is, I'm too busy living to be afraid of dying. This statement reflects Dillinger's fearless attitude towards life - he was never afraid to take risks or face danger head-on. It also hints at his belief that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, even if that means engaging in illegal activities.

Despite his serious crimes, Dillinger had a playful side that often came out in his interactions with the press. For example, when asked if he had any regrets about his criminal past, Dillinger quipped, Sure, I regret getting caught! This remark shows that Dillinger had a sense of humor even in the face of adversity, and was not afraid to poke fun at himself or his situation.

Dillinger was also known for his way with words, and he often used clever expressions to describe his actions. For example, when asked about his prison escape plans, Dillinger famously said, I'll be out before the ink dries on my fingerprints. This statement shows Dillinger's confidence in his ability to outsmart the authorities and make a successful escape.

Of course, not all of Dillinger's quotes were playful or lighthearted. He was also capable of expressing deeper emotions, such as anger and frustration. For example, when asked about his treatment by the police, Dillinger once said, They're not even human beings. They're just machines with guns. This statement shows Dillinger's disdain for authority figures and his belief that they were treating him unfairly.

Despite his criminal activities, Dillinger was seen by some people as a Robin Hood figure who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. When asked about this comparison, Dillinger once said, I'm not a modern-day Robin Hood. I've never robbed anyone who was poor. I rob banks because they're bastards. This quote shows Dillinger's disdain for wealthy institutions and his determination to take them down.

One of Dillinger's most famous quotes is, You can't arrest a man who hasn't broken the law. This statement reflects Dillinger's belief that he was being unfairly targeted by law enforcement, and that he had done nothing wrong. Of course, this sentiment is somewhat ironic given Dillinger's criminal activities, but it shows that he saw himself as a victim rather than a villain.

Despite his reputation as a dangerous criminal, Dillinger had a certain charm and charisma that made him popular with some people. When asked about his appeal to women, Dillinger once said, I'm just a simple country boy who loves his mama. This quote shows Dillinger's ability to disarm people with his folksy charm, even in the face of his violent past.

Ultimately, John Dillinger's quotes offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a complex and controversial figure. Whether you see him as a hero or a villain, there is no denying that Dillinger left an indelible mark on American history and popular culture. So the next time you hear someone quoting Dillinger, remember that there is more to this man than just his criminal activities - he was also a master of wit and wordplay.

In conclusion, John Dillinger was a larger-than-life figure whose legacy has endured long after his death. His quotes offer a window into his personality and worldview, and reveal a man who was both clever and charismatic. While we may never know the full story of John Dillinger's life, his words and actions continue to captivate and inspire us to this day.

Introducing John Dillinger

John Dillinger was a notorious American bank robber during the Great Depression era. He was known for his daring escapes from prison and his charismatic personality that won him many fans. But what many people don’t know is that he was also quite the wordsmith. Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

The Wit of John Dillinger

One of the things that made John Dillinger such a captivating figure was his quick wit. He was always ready with a clever quip or a sarcastic remark, even in the face of danger. Here are some examples:

I'm not a crook. I'm a thief.

This quote perfectly captures Dillinger’s devil-may-care attitude. He didn’t see himself as a criminal, but rather as someone who was simply taking what he wanted.

I rob banks for a living, what do you do?

This was Dillinger’s response when a journalist asked him what he did for a living. It shows his arrogance and disregard for authority.

I read in the newspapers they are going to give me the works. Well, they can give me the works, but they'll never give me the one thing that I want.

This quote is a bit more poignant. It shows that Dillinger knew he was going to die soon, but he was still holding out hope for something he wanted more than anything else.

The Importance of Public Opinion

One of the things that set John Dillinger apart from other criminals was his ability to win over the public. He knew that if he could get people on his side, he would be much harder to catch. Here are some of his thoughts on the matter:

I'm not for crime, and I'm not a gangster. I'm in a legitimate business.

This quote shows Dillinger’s understanding of the power of words. By calling himself a “legitimate business,” he was trying to paint himself in a more positive light.

The only way to handle the banks is to treat them like mushrooms – keep them in the dark and feed them manure.

This is a classic Dillinger quote. It’s funny, but it also reveals his disdain for the banking industry.

The Importance of Staying Calm

One of the things that made John Dillinger such a successful criminal was his ability to stay calm under pressure. He knew that panicking would only lead to mistakes. Here are some of his thoughts on the matter:

I never got nervous about anything. You just take it as it comes, and if it doesn't come, you keep on going.

This quote shows Dillinger’s confidence in himself. He knew that he was in control of his own destiny.

I don't believe in fear – I live my life without regrets.

Another quote that shows Dillinger’s confidence. He didn’t believe in letting fear control him.

The Importance of Loyalty

Despite his many flaws, John Dillinger was known for his loyalty to his friends and family. Here are some of his thoughts on the subject:

You can be a king or a street sweeper, but everyone dances with the Grim Reaper.

This quote shows Dillinger’s belief in the inevitability of death. He knew that no matter how powerful you were, death would eventually come for you.

I'm like Robin Hood. I rob the rich to give to the poor.

This quote shows Dillinger’s belief in doing what’s right, even if it’s illegal. He saw himself as a modern-day Robin Hood.

The Legacy of John Dillinger

John Dillinger may have been a criminal, but he was also a larger-than-life figure who captured the imagination of the American public. Even today, his exploits are the stuff of legend. Here are some final thoughts on his legacy:

I have no regrets. I did what I had to do.

This quote shows Dillinger’s acceptance of his fate. He knew that he had lived life on his own terms, and he was at peace with that.

I'm not a gangster. I'm a desperado.

This quote shows Dillinger’s desire to be seen as something more than just a common criminal. He saw himself as a desperado – someone who lived outside the law, but still had a code of honor.

Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that John Dillinger was a fascinating character. His quotes reveal a man who was confident, witty, and unapologetic in the face of authority. He may have been a criminal, but he was also a rebel who refused to play by society’s rules.

John Dillinger Quotes: The Humorous Side of a Bank Robber

If you think bank robbers are all serious and grim, John Dillinger is here to prove you wrong. This notorious criminal had a witty side that shone through his quotes, even as he defended his actions and challenged society's values. Let's take a closer look at some of his most memorable quotes.

I rob banks because that's where the money is

When asked why he targeted banks so often, Dillinger had a practical reply that cut straight to the chase. He wasn't interested in robbing gas stations or convenience stores; he wanted to go for the big prize. You have to admire his logic, even if you don't condone his methods.

I'm just a bank robber, not a murderer

Dillinger might have been a criminal, but he had a code of honor that he kept to. He never killed anyone during his bank robberies, and he made sure people knew it. It was his way of saying I'm not a monster, I'm just trying to make a living.

Crime doesn't pay as well as politics.

This quote shows that Dillinger wasn't blind to the inequalities of society. He saw how politicians and businessmen could make fortunes through legal means, while people like him had to resort to crime to get by. It's a sobering reminder that sometimes, the law isn't on the side of the little guy.

I'm not a gangster, I'm a rebel.

Here, Dillinger is positioning himself as a hero for the underdog. He sees himself as a rebel against the establishment, someone who's willing to challenge the status quo and fight for what he believes in. Of course, the fact that he's stealing other people's money to do it is a bit of a moral gray area, but hey, nobody's perfect.

I don't smoke, chew, or gamble. I only rob banks.

If you're going to have a vice, you might as well make it a profitable one. Dillinger wasn't interested in wasting his time on cigarettes, alcohol, or gambling; he wanted to focus all his energy on robbing banks. It's a single-minded pursuit that shows just how determined he was to succeed at his chosen profession.

I'm the guy they didn't count on.

This quote is all about the element of surprise. Dillinger loved the fact that he could pull off successful heists even when everyone thought he'd been caught. He was always one step ahead of the authorities, and that gave him a thrill like no other. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected people can achieve great things.

I spent more time in jail than Alcatraz inmates.

Despite his success as a bank robber, Dillinger wasn't immune to the consequences of his actions. He spent a lot of time in prison, including a stint at the infamous Alcatraz. But even that couldn't stop him from pursuing his criminal activities once he was released. It's a testament to his resilience and determination, even in the face of adversity.

I haven't killed anyone that didn't deserve it.

This is a controversial quote, to say the least. Dillinger is essentially justifying his actions by saying that the people he killed were somehow deserving of it. Whether this is true or not is up for debate, but it shows that he had a moral code that he followed, even if it wasn't always in line with the law.

You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline - it helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer.

This quote is a departure from Dillinger's usual themes, but it shows that he had a sense of humor about the world around him. He's poking fun at the idea that countries need certain things to be considered real, and he's doing it in a way that's both funny and insightful. It's a reminder that even the most notorious criminals can have a softer side.

I'm too busy robbing banks to care about what people think of me.

Finally, we have a quote that sums up Dillinger's attitude towards public opinion. He didn't care what people thought of him; he was too busy pursuing his own goals to worry about their opinions. It's a bold statement that shows just how single-minded he was in his pursuit of wealth and notoriety.

So there you have it: John Dillinger, bank robber extraordinaire and unlikely philosopher. Who knew that a criminal could have such a way with words?

John Dillinger Quotes: A Humorous Perspective

The Legend of John Dillinger

John Dillinger is a notorious American gangster known for his bank robberies during the Great Depression. He was charming, daring, and cunning, making him a popular figure among the public who were struggling with economic hardship at the time. Despite his criminal activities, Dillinger had a sense of humor that made him even more captivating.

John Dillinger Quotes

Here are some of John Dillinger's most famous quotes:

1. I rob banks because that's where the money is.
2. I'm too damn pretty to go to jail.
3. You can't arrest a man for carrying a gun.
4. I'm traveling incognito.

A Humorous Take on John Dillinger Quotes

Despite his criminal past, John Dillinger's quotes have become legendary and have been quoted time and time again. Here's a humorous perspective on some of his most famous quotes:

• Dillinger's quote I rob banks because that's where the money is is a classic example of stating the obvious. Who would have thought the money was in the bank?
• When Dillinger said, I'm too damn pretty to go to jail, he wasn't kidding. His good looks could have saved him from prison if only he had used them to become an actor instead of a bank robber.
• Dillinger's quote You can't arrest a man for carrying a gun is another example of his wit. Of course, you can arrest someone for carrying a gun if they don't have the proper license to do so.
• I'm traveling incognito is a line that has been used by many people over the years. However, Dillinger was probably the only one who could get away with it since he was one of the most recognizable criminals of his time.

The Legacy of John Dillinger

John Dillinger's quotes have become part of his legacy, and they continue to inspire people to this day. He may have been a criminal, but his wit and charm have made him an unforgettable figure in American history.

Table: Keywords

The Parting Words of John Dillinger

Well, well, well. It seems that you have stumbled upon my musings about life and crime. I hope I haven't bored you too much with my ramblings, but if I have, well... that's just too bad.

As you may know, I was quite the notorious criminal back in my day. But what you may not know is that I also had a way with words. That's right, folks. John Dillinger was not only a bank robber extraordinaire, but he was also a philosopher of sorts.

Now, before you go getting all excited, I should warn you that my words of wisdom may not be what you expect. I'm not here to preach about the virtues of honesty and hard work. No, no, no. I'm here to tell it like it is.

You see, in my line of work, you learn pretty quickly that life is short and you've got to live it to the fullest. That's why I always said, I rob banks for a living, what do you do?

Of course, there were times when things didn't go quite according to plan. Like that time when I was caught by the police and thrown in jail. But even then, I didn't let it get me down. As I famously said, I'm too busy living to worry about dying.

Now, I know what you're thinking. John, how can you say that? You were a criminal! You hurt people! And to that, I say, Hey, nobody's perfect.

But seriously, folks. I may have been a criminal, but I also believed in treating people with respect. As I once said, I never met a man I didn't like.

Of course, there were some people who didn't like me very much. Like that time when I was shot by the FBI. Ouch. But even then, I didn't let it get me down. As I famously said, I'm too tough to die.

So, my dear readers, as I bid you farewell, I leave you with this final thought: life is short, so live it to the fullest. And if you happen to make a few mistakes along the way, well... that's just part of the adventure.

Oh, and one more thing. If you ever find yourself in a bind, just remember my words of wisdom: Don't worry about the bullets, I've been shot before and I'm still here.

Farewell, my friends. It's been a pleasure.

People Also Ask About John Dillinger Quotes

Who is John Dillinger?

John Dillinger was a notorious American gangster who operated during the Great Depression era. He was known for his numerous bank robberies and prison escapes, and was often referred to as Public Enemy No. 1 by the FBI.

What are some famous John Dillinger quotes?

1. I rob banks for a living, what do you do?
2. I'm too busy having fun today to even think about tomorrow.
3. You can't arrest me, I'm having a good time.

These quotes showcase Dillinger's carefree and rebellious attitude towards life and authority.

Did John Dillinger have any regrets?

It is unclear if Dillinger had any regrets about his criminal activities. However, he did allegedly tell a reporter that he wished he had never started robbing banks, as it ultimately led to his downfall.

What happened to John Dillinger?

John Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago on July 22, 1934. His death marked the end of his infamous reign as one of America's most wanted criminals.

So, what can we learn from John Dillinger?

• Crime doesn't pay - eventually, you'll get caught.
• A carefree attitude can be fun, but it also has its consequences.
• Regret is a powerful emotion - try to live a life without any.

While John Dillinger's life may have been exciting and full of adventure, it ultimately led to his untimely death. Let's learn from his mistakes and strive to live our lives in a way that brings us joy and fulfillment without causing harm to others.