"I want to tell you that if the Great Spirit had chosen anyone to be the chief of this country, it is myself"
- Sitting Bull
About this Quote
This quote credited to Sitting Bull, the renowned Hunkpapa Lakota leader, is a profound declaration that shows the cultural and historical context of his management and the socio-political dynamics of his time. In stating, "I wish to inform you that if the Great Spirit had picked anybody to be the chief of this nation, it is myself," Sitting Bull evokes several layers of meaning.
First of all, it underscores his deep connection to his people and his function as a leader. The reference to the "Great Spirit" is significant, as it reflects Native American spirituality and the belief in a divine power governing the universe. By positioning himself as the divinely selected leader, Sitting Bull not only asserts his authenticity but also frames his leadership as backed by a greater power. This lines up with native views where leadership was often seen as a spiritual endeavor, intertwined with obligations towards the land and community.
Furthermore, this declaration can be viewed as an expression of resistance. Throughout Sitting Bull's lifetime, Native American people dealt with methodical injustice and destruction from expanding Euro-American settlers and the U.S. government. By declaring himself the rightful chief "of this country," Sitting Bull is asserting native sovereignty over lands that were being by force taken from them. This defiance is emblematic of the broader struggle of Native Americans to keep their lifestyle in the middle of the assault of colonization.
Furthermore, Sitting Bull's words can be interpreted as a reflection of his personal conviction and management style. Understood for his undeviating stance against U.S. policies and his dedication to his people's well-being, this quote encapsulates his belief in his leadership ability and his commitment to his individuals's autonomy.
In essence, Sitting Bull's statement is both an individual assertion of leadership and a more comprehensive political statement advocating for the rights and acknowledgment of Native American sovereignty and spirituality. It acts as an effective pointer of the cultural and historic struggles faced by indigenous peoples.
This quote is written / told by Sitting Bull between July 2, 1831 and December 15, 1890. He was a famous Statesman from USA.
The author also have 33 other quotes.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"I seemed to vow to myself that some day I would go to the region of ice and snow and go on and on till I came to one of the poles of the earth, the end of the axis upon which this great round ball turns"