Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid leader, political prisoner, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the first democratically elected president of a multiracial South Africa. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest statesmen and humanitarians of the 20th century. His life and legacy have inspired millions of people around the world to fight for justice, freedom and dignity.
On the occasion of his 105th birth anniversary, we have compiled a list of some of his most powerful and memorable quotes that reflect his wisdom, courage and compassion. These quotes can motivate us to overcome our challenges, pursue our dreams and make a positive difference in the world.
On Leadership
- “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
- “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.”
- “A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.”
- “A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.”
On Education
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
- “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”
- “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.”
- “Without education, your children can never really meet the challenges they will face. So it’s very important to give children education and explain that they should play a role for their country.”
On Courage
- “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.”
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
On Freedom
- “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.”
- “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.”
- “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
- “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
On Humanity
- “No one is born hating another person because of the color 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.”
- “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
- “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
- “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.”
On Democracy
- “It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”
- “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour.”
- “The people of South Africa have spoken in these elections. They want change! And change is what they will get. Our plan is to create jobs, promote peace and reconciliation, and to guarantee freedom for all South Africans.”
- “Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world.”
On Wisdom
- “You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”
- “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
- “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
- “Fools multiply when wise men are silent.”
On Humor
- “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”
- “I never lose. I either win or learn.”
- “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
- “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.”
On Legacy
- “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. 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 live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
- “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.”
- “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
- “I am the product of Africa and her long-cherished view of rebirth that can now be realised so that all of her children may play in the sun.”
We hope you enjoyed reading these inspiring quotes by Nelson Mandela. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.