There are too many leaders anointed because they have a public voice – television, radio, or record, or whatever. That even includes myself. In the past, I’d say, ‘Don’t anoint me when you can anoint yourself.’

Meaning of the quote

Leaders are often chosen or praised simply because they are famous or have a public platform like TV, radio, or music. Even Chuck D., the musician who said this, admits that he was one of these leaders. In the past, he would tell people not to praise him, but to praise themselves instead. This is because being a leader should be about more than just having a public voice - it should be about having good ideas and being a good role model.

More quotes from Chuck D.

A lot of times black folks look for love in all the wrong places. You’re always looking for somebody to love you, be accepted, and there’s the insecurities that are even transmitted through rap. Everyone is trying to aim to please too much.

Chuck D.

We don’t see the people who are doing real things getting enough props. We often see politicians who are everywhere but nowhere at the same goddamn time. You know the kind of person: You see them everywhere on television but nowhere in front of your face.

Chuck D.

There are too many leaders anointed because they have a public voice – television, radio, or record, or whatever. That even includes myself. In the past, I’d say, ‘Don’t anoint me when you can anoint yourself.’

Chuck D.

I think governments are the cancer of civilization.

Chuck D.

I think right about now we have to beware of marketed Malcolms and Martins. Real people do real things.

Chuck D.

I’d rather have a hundred thousand or a million people saying I’m nuts and I’m crazy for my musical choices and what I’ve said lyrically, than a million people all raising their hand on the first day.

Chuck D.

You have to wait for people to program you. The only difference is the amount of people that you’re going to reach but that’s going to even out in the next two or three years anyway. Computers are being bought faster than televisions right now.

Chuck D.

Of course voting is useful. But then again, I don’t put a big glow to it. Voting is about as essential as washing yourself. It’s something you’re supposed to do. Now, you can’t go around bragging, expecting to get props because you voted. That’s stupid.

Chuck D.