Nelson Mandela quotes page 1

born July 18, 1918, President of South Africa from 1994-1999

The time is always right to do right.
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter. I have made missteps
along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only
finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a
view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I
can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for
my long walk is not ended.
Nelson Mandela

I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man
or a white man.
Nelson Mandela

It always seems impossible until it's done.
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

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 will live together in
harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for, and to see realised.
But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
Nelson Mandela

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the
same.
Nelson Mandela

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he
becomes your partner.
Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

Young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest
education possible so that they can represent us well in future as future leaders.
Nelson Mandela

Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back
up again.
Nelson Mandela

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Nelson Mandela

Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.
Nelson Mandela

Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the
oppression of one by another.
Nelson Mandela

I have always believed exercise is a key not only to physical health but to peace of mind.
Nelson Mandela

One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen.
Nelson Mandela

Courage is not the absence of fear - it's inspiring others to move beyond it.
Nelson Mandela

As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on
society if you have not changed yourself.
Nelson Mandela

Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and
Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by
the actions of human beings.
Nelson Mandela

Appearances matter - and remember to smile.
Nelson Mandela

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.
Nelson Mandela

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Nelson Mandela

I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom
fighter in the hope of winning awards.
Nelson Mandela

Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
Nelson Mandela

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