20 Inspirational Quotes From Nelson Mandela
South Africa’s first black president Nelson Mandela died peacefully at his home at the age of 95. Although the Nobel Peace Prize winner passed away, he left us a number of uplifting and revolutionary words.
Following are 20 most inspirational Nelson Mandela quotes that personify his spirit.
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“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.”
“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”
“It always seems impossible until its done.”
“I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Courage is not the absence of fear — it is inspiring others to move beyond it.”
“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.”
“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”
“Today we are entering a new era for our country and its people. Today we celebrate not the victory of a party, but a victory for all the people of South Africa.”
“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.”
“We recall our terrible past so that we can deal with it, to forgive where forgiveness is necessary, without forgetting; to ensure that never again will such inhumanity tear us apart; and to move ourselves to eradicate a legacy that lurks dangerously as a threat to our democracy.”
“I never think of the time I have lost. I just carry out a programme because it’s there. It’s mapped out for me.”
“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.”
“In my country we go to prison first and then become president.”
“A good pen can also remind us of the happiest moments in our lives, bring noble ideas into our dens, our blood and our souls. It can turn tragedy into hope and victory.”
“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”
“I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”
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I graduated from Birmingham University. Currently, I am living with my family in the West Midlands of England and working for a media company. My hobby is writing about current affairs, celebrities and fashion.
