By Nelson Mandela • Autobiography, Ubuntu & Moral Leadership
Nelson Mandela's autobiography chronicling his 27 years of imprisonment on Robben Island and the triumph of reconciliation over apartheid.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“It always seems impossible until it's done.”
“Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“When the history of our times is written, will we be remembered as the generation that turned our backs in a moment of global crisis or will it be recorded that we did the right thing?”
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
“If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America. They don't care for human beings.”
“Any man that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.”
“In my country we go to prison first and then become President.”
“Long live the Cuban revolution! Long live Comrade Fidel Castro!”
“Experience is the best legacy men could possess and never desert in life.”
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”
“The victory of democracy in South Africa is the common achievement of all humanity.”
“I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison.”
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
“I have always believed that exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.”
“You may succeed in delaying, but never in preventing the transition of South Africa to a democracy.”
“We tried in our simple way to lead our life in a manner that may make a difference to those of others.”
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
“I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if the Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.”
“Coloured communities would like to see coloured representatives. That is not racism, that is how nature works.”
“I had no specific belief except that our cause was just, was very strong and it was winning more and more support.”
“I always knew that someday I would once again feel the grass under my feet and walk in the sunshine as a free man.”