Ronald Biggs Quotes

Powerful Ronald Biggs for Daily Growth

About Ronald Biggs

Ronald Biggs (1939-2016) was an English criminal, memoirist, and songwriter who gained notoriety in the 1960s as a member of the Great Train Robbery gang. Born on October 28, 1939, in London, England, Biggs grew up in the impoverished East End neighborhood of Bethnal Green. His troubled childhood and experiences in the criminal underworld would later shape his life and work. At age 26, Biggs joined the infamous Great Train Robbery gang, orchestrated by Bruce Reynolds, that raided a Royal Mail train near Buckinghamshire on August 8, 1963. The gang made off with £2.6 million (equivalent to approximately £50 million today), but their escape was foiled when Biggs was apprehended on the Isle of Man after an unsuccessful attempt to flee to Australia. Sentenced to 30 years in prison, Biggs served time at several prisons and became a cause célèbre due to his charismatic personality and numerous escapes from custody. In 1965, he was transferred to Wormwood Scrubs Prison where he met and befriended Kinks frontman Ray Davies, leading to the creation of Biggs' most famous song, "Lucky Man." In 1973, Biggs successfully escaped from HM Prison Standhall and lived as a fugitive for nearly three decades. He spent time in Australia, France, and Spain before finally being extradited back to the United Kingdom in 2001. After serving the remainder of his sentence, he was released in 2009. Upon his release, Biggs published two memoirs: "A Very British Gangster" (2004) and "Honour Thy Father" (2013). These works offered a glimpse into his life, the Great Train Robbery, and his relationships with fellow criminals. Ronald Biggs passed away on December 19, 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's most notorious figures.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'd rather be a free man in a graveyard than working for a living."

This quote by Ronald Biggs suggests that he values freedom over material wealth or comfort. He would prefer to live a life of personal liberty, even if it means hardship or poverty, rather than being constrained by work responsibilities. The "graveyard" likely symbolizes a place of solitude and peace, reinforcing his preference for independence over work-related obligations.

"They can jail me, they can beat me, but they can't break my spirit."

The quote reflects a resilient and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Ronald Biggs acknowledges that authority may imprison or physically harm him, yet he asserts that this cannot diminish his internal strength and willpower. His spirit remains unbroken, symbolizing a determination to maintain one's identity, values, and hope despite facing hardships or challenges.

"We were just ordinary blokes who decided to do an extraordinary thing."

This quote suggests that Ronald Biggs, and those he refers to as "ordinary blokes," were individuals who chose to break free from the mundane routines of everyday life and embark on an extraordinary adventure or action. It implies a sense of defiance against societal expectations and norms, emphasizing that sometimes, the most memorable moments come from daring to deviate from the ordinary path.

"I believe that everyone should have the right to live their own life as they see fit."

This quote by Ronald Biggs emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, suggesting that each person has the inherent right to make decisions about how they choose to live their lives. It encourages respect for personal autonomy, acknowledging that individuals have unique perspectives and should be allowed to follow those paths without undue interference from others. The quote aligns with principles of liberalism and human rights, where personal freedom is valued as a fundamental aspect of a fulfilling life.

"I've been in prison for 34 years, and I'm still not bitter."

This quote suggests that despite spending over three decades in prison, Ronald Biggs has managed to maintain a positive outlook on life, and he has not allowed his experiences of incarceration to foster bitterness or resentment. Instead, he shows resilience and optimism, implying that he has found ways to cope with adversity, find meaning in his circumstances, and retain hope for the future.

I was involved in the robbery for a purpose, and that was because I knew somebody who could drive a diesel train. I was responsible to take along this old guy who could drive the train.

- Ronald Biggs

Purpose, Could, Diesel, Train

One report said that since my time on the run I've had 2,500 girlfriends. I mean you got to realize, I've been on the run for more than 30 years, I have got to have had more than that!

- Ronald Biggs

Run, More, Been, Report

The idea was to make a movie ourselves with everyone playing a cameo role. Preferably before we all go, 'cos poor old Charlie Wilson was murdered, and of course Buster has gone.

- Ronald Biggs

Movie, Role, Buster, Cameo

The last thing I stole was a box of Coca Cola from a parked truck in Adelaide. I was nice and drunk. It was New Year's Eve. And that was about 28 years ago.

- Ronald Biggs

New, Last, Parked, Stole

There's a difference between criminals and crooks. Crooks steal. Criminals blow some guy's brains out. I'm a crook.

- Ronald Biggs

Some, Guy, Steal, Blow

It has been rumoured that I was the brains of the robbery, but that was totally incorrect. I've been described as the tea boy, which is also incorrect.

- Ronald Biggs

Been, Incorrect, Which, Robbery

I used to have a list of things from my school buddies of what kind of art material they wanted. I'd go up to the West End of London and spend the whole day knocking stuff off.

- Ronald Biggs

Art, London, Kind, Buddies

I am no longer a criminal. I gave up that practice years ago.

- Ronald Biggs

I Am, Practice, Longer, Criminal

I won a scholarship with the Brixton School of Building. I screwed around, not putting in a proper attendance.

- Ronald Biggs

School, Screwed, Putting, Scholarship

There has been so much rubbish written up in the papers over the years.

- Ronald Biggs

Over, Been, Written, Rubbish

Banks' beer. There's nothing like it! To Brazil. And to Barbados justice.

- Ronald Biggs

Brazil, Like, Banks, Barbados

I kicked off... and things went on from there... down and down.

- Ronald Biggs

Down, Off, Things, Kicked

This book that I just wrote is going to be coming out very soon to Australia.

- Ronald Biggs

Book, Going, Very, Australia

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