"I grew up in a tough neighborhood and we used to say you can get further with a kind word and a gun than just a kind word"

This quote by David Mamet speaks to the idea that in specific scenarios, a combination of kindness and strength is more efficient than compassion alone. Growing up in a difficult neighborhood, Mamet likely experienced firsthand the requirement to be both kind and strong in order to get ahead. The quote suggests that in certain contexts, a kind word alone is insufficient to get what you want. It suggests that in order to be successful, one should want to utilize both compassion and strength. This might imply utilizing physical strength, such as a gun, or it could indicate using psychological strength, such as defending yourself and your beliefs. In either case, the quote indicates that a mix of generosity and strength is more effective than generosity alone.