Enjoy the best Nelson Mandela Quotes. Quotations by Nelson Mandela (Anti-apartheid Activist, Politician) Jul 18, 1918 - Dec 05, 2013
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.
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.
I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.
Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward.
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
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.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
It always seems impossible until it's done.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist. Born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, a village in the Eastern Cape Province, Mandela grew up in a region characterized by racial segregation and inequality.
Mandela became actively involved in the struggle against apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, early in his life. He joined the African National Congress (ANC), a political party dedicated to fighting for the rights of the majority Black population in South Africa.
His unwavering commitment to the cause led Mandela to become one of the most prominent anti-apartheid activists. He advocated for nonviolent resistance but eventually concluded that more drastic measures were necessary. In 1961, Mandela co-founded Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the ANC, to engage in sabotage activities against the apartheid regime.
As a result of his activism, Mandela faced multiple arrests and imprisonments throughout his life. In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in MK's activities. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, most of which he served on Robben Island, a notorious prison off the coast of Cape Town.
Despite the harsh conditions, Mandela's resolve remained unbroken, and his imprisonment only heightened his global prominence as a symbol of resistance against apartheid. He became a rallying point for activists both within South Africa and around the world, garnering international attention and support for the anti-apartheid movement.
Mandela was finally released from prison on February 11, 1990, following growing pressure on the South African government to end apartheid. He emerged as a statesman and played a crucial role in negotiating an end to apartheid and establishing a democratic South Africa.
In 1994, Mandela became the country's first Black President in the first democratic elections held in South Africa. He worked tirelessly to heal the wounds of apartheid and promote reconciliation among the diverse racial and ethnic groups in the country.
Mandela's presidency focused on fostering social equality, combating poverty, and promoting national unity. He implemented various policies to address the legacies of apartheid, such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aimed to uncover past human rights abuses and promote forgiveness.
After serving as President for one term, Mandela stepped down in 1999 but continued to be a respected and beloved figure globally. He dedicated his post-presidential life to humanitarian work, championing causes such as education, HIV/AIDS awareness, and peace-building efforts.
Nelson Mandela's leadership, resilience, and commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on the world. His unwavering fight against apartheid and his message of forgiveness and reconciliation continue to inspire generations. Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, but his legacy as an icon of peace and equality lives on.