How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Goodfellas.
Quote #1
HENRY: Paulie may have moved slow, but it was only because Paulie didn't have to move for anybody.
When you're the most well respected member of the crew, you don't have to worry about pleasing anyone else. Paulie has earned that respect through running a successful protection racket and taking care of business, but also because he's seen as predictable and not crazy.
Quote #2
HENRY: One day, some of the kids from the neighborhood carried my mother's groceries all the way home. You know why? It was outta respect.
The taste of respect that Henry gets when he starts working at the cabstand is what sucks him into the mob. It sets the course for his entire life.
Quote #3
TOMMY: You mean, let me understand this 'cause, you know, maybe it's me. I'm a little f***ed up maybe, but I'm funny how? I mean, funny, like I'm a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh? I'm here to f***in' amuse you? What do you mean, funny? Funny how? How am I funny?
Here, Tommy is just giving Henry a hard time, but it shows how short-tempered and explosive Tommy can be when he feels he's being disrespected. So does the vicious beat down he gives to Sonny over his $7,000 tab right after he finishes scaring the crap out of Henry.