Nelson Mandela quotes

One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could
not change others.
Nelson Mandela

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. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I
would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.
Nelson Mandela

Lead from the back and let others believe they are in front.
Nelson Mandela

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

The brave man is not the one who has no fears, he is the one who triumphs over his fears.
Nelson Mandela

There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal trimuph if you
have the iron will and the neccessary skill.
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

I am the captain of my soul.
Nelson Mandela

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
Nelson Mandela

Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and
salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to
fulfill themselves.
Nelson Mandela