He personifies struggle. He led the fight against apartheid with extraordinary vigor and resilience after spending nearly 27 years of his life behind bars in South Africa before he became the country’s first black president.
He has sacrificed his private life and his youth for his people, and remains South Africa’s best known and loved hero. During his years in prison, Nelson Mandela’s reputation grew steadily.
He was widely accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa and became a potent symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered strength. He consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. ( 1918 – 2013)
– Nelson Mandela Quotes –
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
~ Nelson Mandela
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
~ Nelson Mandela
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
~ Nelson Mandela
Living isn’t just about doing for yourself, but what you do for others as well.
~ Nelson Mandela
Communists have always played an active role in the fight by colonial countries for their freedom, because the short-term objects of Communism would always correspond with the long-term objects of freedom movements.
~ Nelson Mandela
Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?
~ Nelson Mandela
For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
~ Nelson Mandela
I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.
~ Nelson Mandela
I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.
~ Nelson Mandela
We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
~ Nelson Mandela
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
~ Nelson Mandela
There is no passion to be found playing small. In settling for a life that is less than the one, you are capable of living.
~ Nelson Mandela
I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.
~ Nelson Mandela
Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.
~ Nelson Mandela
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
~ Nelson Mandela
If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don’t ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elections, they want observers.
~ Nelson Mandela
If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.
~ Nelson Mandela
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
~ Nelson Mandela
Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.
~ Nelson Mandela
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
~ Nelson Mandela
In my country we go to prison first and then become President.
~ Nelson Mandela
It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
~ Nelson Mandela
It always seems impossible until its done.
~ Nelson Mandela
Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
~ Nelson Mandela
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
~ Nelson Mandela
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
~ Nelson Mandela
