Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid...He is the hero, he is everything. He must be a complete man and a common man and yet an unusual man. He must be, to use a rather weathered phrase, a man of honor, by instinct, by inevitability, without thought of it, and certainly without saying it. He must be the best man in his world and a good enough man for any world
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the qualities of a true hero, highlighting the importance of integrity and honor in facing adversity.
Raymond Chandler’s quote reflects a profound understanding of heroism and the inherent qualities required of a true man. It suggests that a hero must embody a balance of being morally good, courageous, and relatable, while also possessing exceptional qualities that set him apart. The essence of this statement is a call to be honorable and steadfast in one's principles, operating from a deep-rooted sense of integrity without needing external validation.
In practice
During a motivational speech about leadership qualities.
Undoubtedly the stories about them [hard-boiled detectives] had a fantastic element. Such things happened, but not so rapidly, nor to so close-knit a group of people, nor within so narrow a frame of logic. This was inevitable because the demand was for constant action; if you stopped to think you were lost. When in doubt, have a man come through a door with a gun in his hand.
There was a desert wind blowing that night. It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands' necks. Anything can happen. You can even get a full glass of beer at a cocktail lounge.
Organized crime is the dirty side of the sharp dollar.
When in doubt, have a man come through the door with a gun in his hand.
The flood of print has turned reading into a process of gulping rather than savoring.
If my books had been any worse, I should not have been invited to Hollywood, and if they had been any better, I should not have come.
I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.
Leaves like rusty tin_x000D_ _x000D_ for the desolate mind that has seen the end-_x000D_ _x000D_ the barest glimmerings._x000D_ _x000D_ Leaves aswirl with gulls_x000D_ _x000D_ made wild by winter.
The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.
I know of nothing sublime which is not some modification of power.
If all ideas have to be bought, then you have an intellectually regressive system that will assure you have a highly knowledgeable elite and an ignorant mass.
This I can declare: things that are in heaven are more real than things that are in the world.
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