As we reflect on Nelson Mandela’s life, we should take the time to consider the great man’s words of wisdom.
1)
“I HAVE fought against white domination, and I have fought against black
domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society
in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal
opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see
realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am
prepared to die.”
- Defence statement during the Rivonia Trial, 1964
2) "As I have said, the first
thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on
society if you have not changed yourself... Great peacemakers are all
people of integrity, of honesty, but humility."
-Speaking to the people
3) “What
counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what
difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the
significance of the life we lead.”
- 90th birthday celebration of Walter Sisulu, Walter Sisulu Hall, Johannesburg, 18 May 2002
4)
“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.”
- Long Walk to Freedom
5) "Lead from the back- and let others believe they are in front."
-Statement to the people
6) "Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."
-Statement behind bars Discussion
7)
“You sharpen your ideas by reducing yourself to the level of the people
you are with and a sense of humour and a complete relaxation, even when
you’re discussing serious things, does help to mobilise friends around
you. And I love that.”
- From an interview with Tim Couzens, Verne Harris and Mac Maharaj for Mandela: The Authorised Portrait , 2006, 13 August 2005
8)
“I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many
people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally
tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in
their country are terrorists. I tell them that I was also a terrorist
yesterday, but, today, I am admired by the very people who said I was
one.”
- Larry King Live, 16 May 2000
9)
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his
skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and
if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes
more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
- Long Walk to Freedom.
10) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- University of the Witwatersrand South Africa, 2003
11) “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
- Long Walk to Freedom"
12) "Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose."
--Long work to freedom
13)
“Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers
to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I
believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep
for the eternity.”
- From an interview for the documentary Mandela, 1994
14) “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
- Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 2013. He died on December 5, 2013.