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Roy Bean Quotes

Powerful Roy Bean for Daily Growth

About Roy Bean

Roy Bean (1825-1903), a captivating character often referred to as "The Law West of the Pecos," was an American frontier figure known more for his flamboyant courtroom antics than his literary prowess. Born in South Carolina, he moved westward during the Gold Rush and eventually settled in Val Verde County, Texas, where he established a saloon and self-proclaimed "Court of Justice" along the Pecos River. Bean's life was marked by an eclectic blend of lawlessness and self-righteousness. He dispensed his brand of justice to the lawless frontier, often serving as judge, jury, and executioner. His courtroom antics, such as donning a long black robe and wielding a gavel made from a whiskey bottle, became legendary. Bean's influence on American literature is more indirect than direct, but he has been immortalized in various works. Notably, his life story served as inspiration for John Ford's 1956 film "The Searchers" and the 1972 Paul Newman film "Blaze," where Bean was portrayed as "Blaze Starr." Bean's major work, if one can call it that, is his self-published pamphlet titled "The Code of the West." This collection of aphorisms and sayings, delivered in Bean's unique blend of humor and wisdom, has become synonymous with the frontier spirit. Some notable quotes include, "All men are created equal, but some men are more equal than others," and "I never killed a man that didn't need it - I have outlived all my enemies." Roy Bean's life, though marked by controversy and lawlessness, remains an intriguing chapter in the history of the American West. His enduring legacy is not just in his courtroom antics but in the literary works that immortalize him as a symbol of the frontier spirit.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm a law unto myself."

The phrase "I'm a law unto myself" indicates that the speaker asserts their personal autonomy, freeing themselves from societal norms or external laws. It suggests an independent, self-governing individual who sets their own rules rather than following those imposed by others. This quote reflects a strong sense of self-reliance and nonconformity.

"The Lord created mankind and left the sexin' to me."

This quote, spoken by the fictional character Judge Roy Bean in the movie "The Alamo" (1960), reflects a self-important attitude often associated with figures of power who claim authority over others. Here, he is asserting his personal control and dominance over sexual matters, suggesting a level of moral superiority or supremacy. It's important to note that this quote does not necessarily reflect the values of Roy Bean himself but rather his character as portrayed in the film.

"Judge Roy Bean: I don't find you guilty. I don't even find you innocent. I find that you haven't learned your lesson yet, and it's my duty to teach you."

This quote by Judge Roy Bean expresses the notion of personal growth and accountability within the context of his courtroom. He acknowledges that the accused individual has not been found guilty or innocent according to legal terms, but rather, he perceives them as having yet to learn from their actions - thus, it's his role to serve as a teacher and instill knowledge that will prevent future mistakes. This perspective represents an unconventional approach in justice administration by emphasizing personal development over purely punitive measures.

"I never close the saloon on a man I don't know well, and if he stays open long enough, I learn to know him."

This quote suggests that Judge Roy Bean, a fictional character in the movie "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," values getting to truly understand someone before making a judgment or taking action against them. In other words, he believes in patience, observing others over time, and forming relationships before making decisions based on those interactions. This approach emphasizes empathy, understanding, and the importance of human connection.

"You can't educate a man so long as you keep him alive." (Attributed to Roy Bean, but there is some debate about the authenticity of this quote)

This quote suggests that traditional methods of education may not be effective if the basic needs of survival are not met first. It implies that a person's ability to learn and grow might be limited by their immediate circumstances, such as lack of food, shelter, or safety. In essence, it underscores the importance of addressing fundamental needs before attempting to educate individuals, as they may struggle to focus on learning when preoccupied with survival.

And Fall, with her yeller harvest moon and the hills growin' brown and golden under a sinkin' sun.

- Roy Bean

Nature, Moon, Harvest, Brown

You have been tried by twelve good men and true, not of your peers but as high above you as heaven is of hell, and they have said you are guilty.

- Roy Bean

Been, Peers, Your, Good Men

And finally Winter, with its bitin', whinin' wind, and all the land will be mantled with snow.

- Roy Bean

Nature, Snow, Will, Wind

Gentlemen, I find the law very explicit on murdering your fellow man, but there's nothing here about killing a Chinaman. Case dismissed.

- Roy Bean

Law, Here, Very, Case

Time will pass and seasons will come and go.

- Roy Bean

Time, Seasons, Will, Pass

Hang 'em first, try 'em later.

- Roy Bean

Try, First, Later, Hang

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