Bernhard Goetz Quotes

Powerful Bernhard Goetz for Daily Growth

About Bernhard Goetz

Bernhard Goetz (born April 13, 1950), better known as the "Subway Vigilante," is an American figure who gained notoriety in 1984 due to a controversial self-defense incident on a New York City subway train. Born and raised in the Bronx, Goetz was the middle child of working-class German immigrants. His father, a toolmaker, and his mother, a nurse, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a disdain for authority. Goetz enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school, serving from 1968 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He later earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy at Hunter College in 1974 and a master's degree in computer science from Columbia University in 1976. In December 1984, Goetz became a symbol of urban anxiety when he confronted a group of teenagers attempting to mug him on a subway train. He fired five shots, injuring four of the youths. The incident sparked widespread debate about crime, self-defense, and racial profiling. Goetz was initially hailed as a hero by some, but he was eventually indicted for attempted murder and other charges. In 1986, a jury acquitted Goetz on all but one count of gun possession, for which he served an 8-month prison term. After his release, he retreated from public life. While Goetz is best known for the subway incident, it's important to note that he also authored a memoir, "I, the Jury," published in 1987, detailing the events leading up to and following the incident. The book was a New York Times Best Seller. Despite his controversial fame, Goetz's life and actions continue to be studied as a reflection of urban anxiety and self-defense laws in America.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think I've had enough of being a victim."

Bernhard Goetz, also known as the "Subway Vigilante," expresses in this quote a desire to move beyond his role as a victim in the aftermath of a confrontation that made him famous. He likely wants to reclaim control over his life, take responsibility for his actions, and avoid being defined solely by a traumatic event. This statement indicates self-empowerment, resilience, and determination to overcome adversity.

"If you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk about it."

This quote, often associated with Bernhard Goetz, suggests a no-nonsense approach towards self-defense or dangerous situations. The speaker advocates for decisive action rather than prolonged discussion or hesitation when faced with immediate danger. However, it's important to note that this statement should not be taken as an encouragement for violence but rather a reflection of the speaker's mindset in crisis situations. It underscores the importance of taking swift and effective action when personal safety is at stake, emphasizing quick decision-making skills over deliberation or contemplation in potentially life-threatening encounters.

"I am not looking for sympathy or understanding; I want no part of it."

Bernhard Goetz, in this statement, expresses a desire to reject empathy or understanding from others. He aims to maintain his personal autonomy, avoiding the potential influence or judgement that sympathy or understanding might bring. This stance suggests a strong sense of self-reliance and independence.

"In this world, people are victims if they choose to be. You can either be a victim, or you can be a survivor."

This quote by Bernhard Goetz suggests that individuals have the power to determine their own fate. Victimhood is often a choice between passivity and acceptance of adverse circumstances, while survivorship implies active resistance, resilience, and self-empowerment in the face of challenges or hardships. The quote encourages personal responsibility, emphasizing that one's circumstances do not have to define them, and instead, they can choose to overcome their difficulties and thrive. In essence, Goetz argues that people should strive to be survivors rather than victims in the complex world we live in.

"I have no wish to kill anyone. But I'm not afraid to do it, if necessary."

This quote by Bernhard Goetz suggests a duality in his character – he asserts that he does not desire violence, but is prepared to resort to it if circumstances demand such an action to protect himself. It reflects a mindset of self-preservation, caution, and a willingness to defend oneself when push comes to shove.

I was a monster. I don't deny it. I wasn't a monster until a few years ago. But you have to be a monster to survive in New York City. New York City doesn't give a damn about violence.

- Bernhard Goetz

New, Give, Deny, To Survive

I thought I was a pretty good physical specimen. But there was a teenager from Brooklyn, who basically wiped the floor with me on the street. He gave me a punch that I didn't even feel. All I knew I was looking up at the sky. I tried to fight him, and I got a number of injuries after that.

- Bernhard Goetz

Thought, Injuries, Wiped, Teenager

With my time in the limelight, I regret that I didn't use it more to push vegetarianism. I support vegetarian options in the school lunch program.

- Bernhard Goetz

Regret, Lunch, Use, Limelight

I think vegetarianism is a crucial ethical choice for an individual and a society.

- Bernhard Goetz

Society, Think, I Think, Vegetarianism

I would, without any hesitation, shoot a violent criminal again.

- Bernhard Goetz

Again, Violent, Would, Criminal

You know how some people complain about the way carriage horses are treated? That they are in a small stall? That is mistreatment. In a holding cell, you get very bored. You have no newspapers, you have no anything.

- Bernhard Goetz

Small, Some, Treated, Bored

During my jury selection process, we went through over 360 jurors. It took six months, all New York residents. Of the 360 jurors, over half of them had been mugged one time. Quite a number of them, maybe 30 40, 50, had been mugged twice.

- Bernhard Goetz

Through, Been, Half, One Time

To shoot a gun proficiently, including speed shooting, is much less of a skill than typing.

- Bernhard Goetz

Gun, Skill, Including, Typing

Prior to being mugged I did not feel I had to carry a gun. However, I knew how to shoot a gun very proficiently. As a boy, I used to play cowboys and Indians all the time.

- Bernhard Goetz

Play, Gun, However, Shoot

If you like affection, then about one in three squirrels makes an excellent companion.

- Bernhard Goetz

Like, Companion, Excellent, Affection

Anyone, any type of story, it doesn't have to be a crime victim, you don't have to let yourself be food for the media.

- Bernhard Goetz

Yourself, Crime, Anyone, Victim

I go to Union Square Park, mostly to take care of squirrels.

- Bernhard Goetz

Square, Take, Mostly, Park

The whole trial seemed surreal.

- Bernhard Goetz

Surreal, Seemed, Whole, Trial

You can't let yourself be pushed around. You can't live in fear. I mean, some people do live in fear. You can't live in fear. That's no way to live your life.

- Bernhard Goetz

Some, Around, Your, Some People

Jail is much easier on people who have nothing.

- Bernhard Goetz

People, Nothing, Easier, Jail

Society is better off without certain people.

- Bernhard Goetz

Society, Better, Certain, Better Off

I have my values. I do things that I think are right. I think it is crucial for mankind to go vegetarian. In fact, I think if the United States and one other major power becomes basically vegetarian, the whole world will become vegetarian, eventually.

- Bernhard Goetz

Fact, Other, I Think, Vegetarian

India is mostly vegetarian, and I think that will be crucial to changing the world. I think the United States is lost.

- Bernhard Goetz

Think, United States, Mostly, Vegetarian

You can't let yourself be pushed around. You can't live in fear. That's no way to live your life.

- Bernhard Goetz

Yourself, Around, Your, Pushed

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