How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Departed.
Quote #1
COSTELLO: No one gives it to you. You have to take it.
Yup, this is pretty much Costello's approach to everything in life. For him, might makes right, and only the strongest get to have whatever they want. That's why he thinks that people who work regular jobs (like Billy's dad) are a bunch of losers.
Quote #2
COSTELLO: You ever wanna earn a little extra money, you come by L Street.
When he meets a young Colin Sullivan, Costello offers the kid an opportunity to make some extra money by doing some work for him. Colin might not know it, but Frank is becoming his mentor and pulling him into a long life of criminal activity that'll eventually put a bullet into both of them. How's that for a happy end to ambition?
Quote #3
COSTELLO: The Church wants you in your place. Kneel, stand, kneel, stand. If you go for that sort of thing, I don't know what to do for you. A man makes his own way.
Costello doesn't have much time for the Church, even though he's Irish Catholic. He thinks of the church as an organization designed to make people feel fine with being normal, boring sheep. But he's more of a satanic dude who likes to do his own thing on his own terms.