Thomas Shelby is the enigmatic protagonist and leader of the notorious Shelby crime family in the famous television series “Peaky Blinders.” The character is portrayed by Cillian Murphy and is known for his sharp wit, cunning intellect, and commanding presence. Here are the best Thomas Shelby quotes and lines from the iconic character that captivate audiences with his badass and savage attitude.
His full name is Thomas Michael Shelby, but he is commonly referred to as Tommy Shelby by other characters and fans of the show.
As the leader of the Peaky Blinders gang in post-World War I Birmingham, Thomas is a commanding figure, respected and feared by people around him.
Driven by a deep desire for power, Tommy is a tough, cunning, and complex guy who operates the criminal world with great finesse.
He is unapologetically ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals and protect his family, even if it means getting his hands dirty.
Despite his reputation as a dangerous gangster, Thomas is a man with vulnerabilities and struggles. He is haunted by his past and the weight of his responsibilities, drawing viewers deeper into his world.
From being a cold-blooded murderer with a heart of gold to being a master strategist with a vulnerable side, contradictions in Shelby’s character make him very relatable and captivates audiences worldwide.
Check out these famous Thomas Shelby quotes and lines about life, love, women, loyalty, and more to get inspired and motivated.
Top 10 Thomas Shelby Quotes
- “Lies travel faster than the truth.” — Tommy Shelby
- “Life’s not about fairness. It’s about survival.” — Tommy Shelby
- “You have to get what you want your own way.” — Tommy Shelby
- “When you plan something well, there’s no need to rush.” — Thomas Shelby
- “You can change what you do, but you can’t change what you want.” — Tommy Shelby
- “Everyone’s a whore, Grace. We just sell different parts of ourselves.” — Thomas Shelby
- “The only way to survive in this world is to be smarter than the next man.” — Tommy Shelby
- “I don’t pay for suits. My suits are on the house or the house burns down.” — Thomas Shelby
- “There’s no such thing as a fair fight. It’s about doing whatever it takes to win.” — Tommy Shelby
- “You can’t trust anyone in this world. The only person you can rely on is yourself.” — Tommy Shelby
Best Tommy Shelby Quotes In Peaky Blinders
- “I never do anything without a plan.” — Tommy Shelby
- “A good man needs to hold out sometimes.” — Tommy Shelby
- “I’ll do whatever it takes to get what I want.” — Tommy Shelby
- “You can’t win a war without knowing your enemy.” — Tommy Shelby
- “If you make the wrong choice, you won’t see 11:44.” — Thomas Shelby
- “All religion is a foolish answer to a foolish question.” — Thomas Shelby
- “It’s not a good idea to look at Tommy Shelby the wrong way.” — Thomas Shelby
- “Leadership is not a popularity contest. It’s about getting the job done.” — Tommy Shelby
- “You know, gentlemen, there is hell, and there is another place below hell.” — Thomas Shelby
- “The only way to guarantee peace is by making the prospect of war seem hopeless.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I’ll tell you what I am. I’m a man with a mind for business and a head for strategy.” — Tommy Shelby
- “I don’t believe in love. It’s just a weakness that people use to justify their own mistakes.” — Tommy Shelby
- “There’s only one thing more dangerous than a cornered animal. And that’s the man who’s cornered him.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I’m guessing you people all decided that the only person who could ever kill Tommy Shelby, is Tommy Shelby himself.” — Thomas Shelby
- “So f***ing close. Oh, and there’s a woman. Yeah. A woman I love. And I got close. Nearly got f***ing everything.” — Thomas Shelby
Famous Quotes of Thomas Shelby
- “I have no limitations.” — Thomas Shelby
- “Good taste is for people who can’t afford sapphires.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I’m just an extreme example of what a working man can achieve.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I learnt long ago to hate my enemies, but I’ve never loved one before.” — Tommy Shelby
- “Today, it will be me dead or you. But whoever it is, he’ll wake up in hell tomorrow.” — Thomas Shelby
- “Love is a dangerous thing. It can make a man do things he never would have dreamed of.” — Tommy Shelby
- “I’m a man of ambition. You can’t have ambition and survive without being a little dangerous.” — Thomas Shelby
- “There’s no such thing as loyalty. It’s just a word people use to make themselves feel better.” — Tommy Shelby
- “When fortune drops something valuable into your lap, you don’t just dump it on the bank of the cut.” — Thomas Shelby
- “The one minute. The soldier’s minute. In a battle, that’s all you get. One minute of everything at once. And anything before is nothing. Everything after, nothing. Nothing in comparison to that one minute.” — Thomas Shelby
Inspirational Thomas Shelby Quotes
- “I can fucking be scared and carry on.” — Thomas Shelby
- “You strike when your enemy is weak.” — Thomas Shelby
- “The only person you can trust is yourself.” — Tommy Shelby
- “There is no rest for me in this world. Perhaps in the next.” — Thomas Shelby
- “Conviction introduces emotion, which is the enemy of oratory.” — Tommy Shelby
- “I’m not afraid to die. I’m afraid of living a life that doesn’t matter.” — Tommy Shelby
- “Whisky’s good proofing water. Tells you who’s real and who isn’t.” — Thomas Shelby
- “Five for peace, two for truce, one abstention. Let’s get on with the war.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I have made arrangements with men I trust. If I should die, then you will die, know that.” — Tommy Shelby
- “She’s in the past. The past is not my concern. The future is no longer my concern, either.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I can charm dogs. Gypsy witchcraft. And those I can’t charm I can kill with my own hands.” — Thomas Shelby
- “I’m not a traitor to my class. I am just an extreme example of what a working man can achieve.” — Tommy Shelby
- “Those of you who are last will soon be first. And those of you who are downtrodden will rise up.” — Tommy Shelby
- “In pubs sometimes people say things and sometimes it’s the whisky talking. It’s hard to tell which is which.” — Tommy Shelby
- “If you apologize once, you do it again and again and again. Like taking bricks out of the wall of your fucking house.” — Thomas Shelby
Conclusion
Peaky Blinders spans six seasons and is praised for its thrilling plot, strong characters, and cool setting. It’s a must-watch for fans of crime dramas, airing on BBC Two.
In this popular show, Thomas Shelby is strong character who is a symbol of ambition, resilience, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Check out these powerful Thomas Shelby quotes from Peaky Blinders that reflect the complexities of his character and the dangerous world he inhabits.
Let us know which are your favorite Thomas Shelby quotations (with images, memes, & wallpapers)? If you have a quote that is not on the above list, please share it in the comments section below.
Feel free to share these uplifting quotes with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, Pinterest, and more to spread positive vibes about success, hard work, and persistence.