By denying its musical and artistic merit, hip hop's critics get to have it both ways: they can deny the legitimate artistic standing of rap while seizing on its pervasive influence as an art form to prove what a terrible effect it has on youth. Michael Eric Dyson
In ambition, as in love, the successful can afford to be indulgent toward their rivals. The prize our own, it is graceful to recognize the merit that vainly aspired to it. Christian Nestell Bovee
In politics, merit is rewarded by the possessor being raised, like a target, to a position to be fired at. Christian Nestell Bovee
Moderation has been called a virtue to limit the ambition of great men, and to console undistinguished people for their want of fortune and their lack of merit.Benjamin Disraeli
Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.William Shakespeare