"As long as they're willing to pay to prove it, I'm willing to let them"
- Arnold Rothstein
About this Quote
The quote "As long as they're willing to pay to show it, I want to let them," attributed to Arnold Rothstein, represents his credibility as a wise and opportunistic business owner, especially within the world of betting and organized criminal activity throughout the early 20th century. Rothstein was a renowned figure known for his involvement in various business where danger and revenue went together, including illegal betting and, infamously, the repairing of the 1919 World Series.
Interpreting this quote supplies insight into Rothstein's state of mind and approach to company and entrepreneurship. Fundamentally, the declaration underscores his willingness to take advantage of others' desires to verify their beliefs or hypotheses, even when those beliefs might be ill-conceived or unlikely to prosper. In gambling or speculative endeavors, participants typically act on hunches, instincts, or insufficient info, driven by the appeal of high stakes and potential gains. Rothstein's viewpoint was to exploit this human propensity by positioning himself as a facilitator or enabler, prepared to make money from their eagerness to check their theories with genuine cash.
By showing that he was "going to let them" prove their point, Rothstein indicates a level of detachment and tactical perseverance. He recognizes the monetary advantage of enabling others to take risks while he profits regardless of the outcome. This detachment recommends a self-confidence in his understanding of human nature and market dynamics, allowing him to manage scenarios where he stands to acquire from the ambitions of others.
Additionally, the quote reveals Rothstein's acumen in evaluating risk and reward. It shows a more comprehensive company philosophy where controlling or reducing one's own threat while profiting from the risk-taking habits of others can cause sustainable success. For Rothstein, the "evidence" depends on the willingness of others to pay the cost, both actually and metaphorically, to see their beliefs challenged. This strengthens the notion of Rothstein as a master manipulator of monetary and psychological landscapes, making money from the eternal human quest to gamble and stake claims in uncertain endeavors.
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