If there's hell below, we're all gonna go.
Curtis MayfieldRead
I don't like to appoint myself to nothing, knowing I'm no better than anybody else. But it always makes me feel good to know I try to do the best I can, and those who might observe say, 'Hey, I can take a little something from that person.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes humility and the importance of striving for personal best, while inspiring others through actions.
Curtis Mayfield expresses a humble perspective on leadership and personal achievement. He acknowledges that he does not see himself as superior to others and refrains from self-appointment to positions of authority. Instead, his motivation lies in doing his best, which he believes can positively influence those around him, encouraging them to learn from his example. This reflection highlights the value of humility and the impact of personal integrity in inspiring others.
Themes
HumilityLeadershipInspirationEffortExample
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about being a role model.
More from Curtis Mayfield
All quotes →My teacher told me I'd never amount to anything. I left high school at 15, after one year. But my real teachers were all the people around me. And I was a good listener.
Curtis MayfieldRead
How many 54-year-old quadriplegics are putting albums out? You just have to deal with what you got, try to sustain yourself as best you can, and look to the things that you can do.
Curtis MayfieldRead
Reading the script, I started feeling very deeply bad for Freddie. Between his friends, his partners, and his woman, he was catching a hard time. 'Freddie's Dead' came to me immediately.
Curtis MayfieldRead
I was a very observant child. Almost anything could become a song to me.
Curtis MayfieldRead
Everything was a song. Every conversation, every personal hurt, every observance of people in stress, happiness and love... if you could feel it, I could feel it. And I could write a song about it.
Curtis MayfieldRead
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