"I hate to advocate drugs alcohol violence or insanity to anyone but they’ve always worked for me"

The core idea here is that the speaker is acknowledging the effectiveness of certain controversial or extreme behaviors in their own life, even though they can't in good conscience recommend them to others. It's like admitting, "Hey, this stuff worked for me, but I know it's not great advice."

To understand this better, we need to know a bit about Hunter S. Thompson, the guy who said it. Thompson was a journalist and author, famously known for his book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." He was the father of Gonzo journalism, a style of writing where the reporter becomes part of the story. Thompson's life was full of wild adventures, heavy drug use, and pushing boundaries – both personally and professionally. His work often reflected the chaos and counter-culture of the 1960s and 70s. So, when he talks about drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity, he’s speaking from experience.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, was notorious for his intense and often abrasive leadership style. Some might say he was a bit insane. He believed in pushing people to their limits to achieve excellence. His methods were extreme – he’d berate employees, demand perfection, and often seemed unreasonable. But, undeniably, his approach worked. Apple became one of the most successful companies in the world.

However, just because it worked for Jobs doesn’t mean it’s a great management style for everyone. Most people would probably crumble under that kind of pressure. It’s similar to what Thompson is saying – these extreme measures worked for him, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution.

If you’re thinking about applying this kind of wisdom in your own life, here’s a tip: know yourself and your limits. It’s easy to look at successful people and think you need to emulate their exact path. But what works for one person might be disastrous for another. So, take inspiration, but always tailor your actions to fit your own strengths and boundaries.

Imagine this scenario: you're a young entrepreneur, and you admire Elon Musk. He’s known for his insane work hours and relentless drive. You decide to mimic his schedule – working 100-hour weeks. At first, you're energized, but soon you start burning out. You’re exhausted, your personal relationships are suffering, and you’re not enjoying the journey anymore. You realize that while Musk’s methods work for him, they’re not sustainable for you.

Instead, you decide to create your own rhythm. Maybe you work intensely for shorter bursts and make sure to take breaks to recharge. You find a balance that keeps you productive without sacrificing your well-being.

So, take Thompson’s words as a cautionary tale. Extreme behaviors might bring success for some, but they come with risks. Find your own path. Don’t feel pressured to follow someone else’s playbook if it doesn’t suit you. Stay true to who you are, and success will follow in a way that’s sustainable and uniquely yours.