The late Nelson Mandela, the Father of the Nation of South Africa, was a president, activist, and to this day is a well-known persona to many. However, although everyone knows his name, not everyone knows about the great deeds he had accomplished in his life. The former president of South Africa left a legacy of peace and justice after serving 27 years in prison and dedicating his life to upholding the civil rights of black South Africans. However, that's not all that Mandela has left behind. Hundreds of inspirational quotes and quotes about peace keep inspiring many nations and individuals to this very day.
Mandela used his unmatched spirit to better the lives of millions of his fellow citizens while facing obstacles like apartheid, jail, and doubt. He did this by being an activist, scholar, leader, and, ultimately, one of the most exemplary humanitarians the world has ever seen. In his famous quotes, thousands, if not millions, of people find wisdom, motivation, the push for change, and the stimulus to never stop fighting for their rights and freedom.
Apart from freeing an entire nation from a racist apartheid regime, Mandela fought for the world's most defenseless citizens right up until the end of his life. Much of his worldview and beliefs can be seen and experienced by reading his inspiring quotes or citations from public speeches he delivered. Nelson Mandela quotes are now used by leaders and public speakers and are referred to by people all across the nation. Reciting Mandela's quotes about freedom and peace is a way to keep the memory of this Giant Of History alive and relish the ungraspable legacy he has left behind.
Below, we have compiled a list of famous inspirational quotes from Nelson Mandela that keep the flame of peace, justice, and freedom burning to this day when humanity needs it more than ever. Also, what is your favorite Nelson Mandela quote? Let us know.
#101
“Non-violence is a good policy when conditions permit.”
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#102
"We fought injustice wherever we found it, no matter how large, or how small, and we fought injustice to preserve our own humanity."
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#103
“I was a young man who attempted to make up for his ignorance with militancy.”
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#104
“A blind pursuit of cheap popularity has nothing to do with revolution."
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#105
"Before either of us knew it, we were in the same room and in each other’s arms. I kissed and held my wife for the first time in all these many years. It was a moment I had dreamed about a thousand times. It was as if I were still dreaming. I held her to me for what seemed like an eternity. We were still and silent except for the sound of our hearts. I did not want to let go of her at all, but I broke free and embraced my daughter and then took her child into my lap. It had been twenty-one years since I had even touched my wife’s hand.”
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#106
“To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy.”
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#107
"The purpose of freedom is to create it for others."
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#108
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
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#109
“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”
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#110
“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.”
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#111
“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.”
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#112
“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.”
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#113
“Quitting is leading too.”
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#114
“Lead from the front — but don't leave your base behind.”
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#115
“There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal triumph if you have the iron will and the necessary skill.”
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#116
“Like the gardener, a leader must take responsibility for what he cultivates; he must mind his work, try to repel enemies, preserve what can be preserved, and eliminate what cannot succeed.”
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#117
“It is most unusual to return to a place that has changed in ways you yourself have altered.”
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#118
“Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.”
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#119
“As long as many of our people still live in utter poverty, as long as children still live under plastic covers, as long as many of our people are still without jobs, no South African should rest and wallow in the joy of freedom.”
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#120
"Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer."
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