"He was a degenerate gambler. That is, a man who gambled simply to gamble and must lose. As a hero who goes to war must die. Show me a gambler and I'll show you a loser, show me a hero and I'll show you a corpse"

Mario Puzo's quote is an extensive reflection on the nature of compulsive habits and the inevitable outcomes that accompany it. The term "degenerate gambler" explains someone who is addicted to betting, not simply for the adventure of winning but for the act itself, disregarding the effects. This person is viewed as somebody who is bound to lose, just like a tragic figure predestined for failure. Puzo draws a parallel in between this compulsive gaming and the fate of a hero in war. Just as the compulsive nature of the bettor ensures their failure, the path of a hero is depicted as one that inevitably results in death.

Puzo's example underscores a deterministic view of human behavior and fate. By specifying that a hero must pass away, he recommends that those who non-stop pursue a noble cause, typically against overwhelming chances, are bound to meet an awful end. This shows a classical concept of heroism, where the greatest acts of bravery are often accompanied by the ultimate sacrifice.

The phrase "Show me a bettor and I'll show you a loser, show me a hero and I'll reveal you a corpse" further encapsulates this fatalistic point of view. It implies that the identities of both gamblers and heroes are inherently linked to their ultimate fates. The compulsive gambler's identity is connected to losing, simply as the hero's identity is linked with their eventual demise.

Puzo's words resonate with the idea that certain paths in life, driven by inner obsessions or ideals, have actually predestined results. It is a reflection on the nature of human battle, aspiration, and the often inescapable effects of one's chosen course. The quote leaves us pondering the fine line in between commendable pursuits and the personal costs they involve.