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

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."

- 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

"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- 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

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it’s done."

- Nelson Mandela

""There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.""

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."

- 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... Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility."

- Nelson Mandela

"When we look in the mirror, we should focus on our potential, not our limitations."

- Nelson Mandela

"A bright future beckons. The onus is on us, through hard work, honesty and integrity, to reach for the stars."

- Nelson Mandela

"It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success."

- Nelson Mandela

"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world."

- Nelson Mandela

"Your education is a weapon that can change the world."

- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it is done."

- Nelson Mandela

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail."

- Nelson Mandela

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Just by being there, looking at the problem or at the darkness of your thoughts straight in the eye and deciding you won't surrender to it, you won't let it swallow you; you are being the bravest you can ever be and starting the path to your personal freedom."

- Nelson Mandela

"Courage is 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

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."

- 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

"Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it."

- Nelson Mandela

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

- Nelson Mandela

"It is what we make out of what we have given, not what we are given, that separates one person from another."

- Nelson Mandela

"Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward."

- Nelson Mandela

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."

- Nelson Mandela

"Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity's belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul, and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all."

- Nelson Mandela

"A winner is a dreamer who never gives up."

- Nelson Mandela

"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."

- Nelson Mandela

"The heroes are those who make peace and build."

- Nelson Mandela

"The impossible becomes possible through action."

- 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

"Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement."

- Nelson Mandela

"There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children."

- Nelson Mandela

"Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world."

- Nelson Mandela

"We must all work together to build a better world for our children, and that starts with caring for our elders."

- 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

"“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”"

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

"Remember to smile."

- Nelson Mandela

"I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."

- Nelson Mandela

"Courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."

- Nelson Mandela

"If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- Nelson Mandela

"A winner is a dreamer who never gave up."

- Nelson Mandela

"Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

- Nelson Mandela

"I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife."

- Nelson Mandela

"There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status."

- Nelson Mandela

"Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did."

- Nelson Mandela

"When a deep injury is done to us, we never heal until we forgive."

- Nelson Mandela

""The greatest glory in living lies not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.""

- Nelson Mandela

"A moment of hate can devastate a lifetime of work, whereas a moment of love can break barriers that took a lifetime to build."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- Nelson Mandela

"There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return."

- 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

"Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

- Nelson Mandela

"Appearances matter—and remember to smile."

- Nelson Mandela

"Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."

- 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."

- Nelson Mandela

"Exercise is the key not only to physical health but to peace of mind."

- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it’s accomplished."

- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it’s done"

- Nelson Mandela

"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place."

- Nelson Mandela

"There is no passion to be found in playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

- Nelson Mandela

"Money won’t create success, freedom to make it will."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- 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

"Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead."

- Nelson Mandela

"“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”"

- Nelson Mandela

"There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the life you are capable of living."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- Nelson Mandela

"Lead from the back, and let others believe they are in front."

- Nelson Mandela

"Give a child love, laughter and peace, not AIDS."

- Nelson Mandela

"I never lose. I either win or learn"

- Nelson Mandela

""I never lose. I either win or learn""

- Nelson Mandela

"I never lose. I either win or learn."

- Nelson Mandela

"Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening."

- Nelson Mandela

"The greatest glory in life is not never falling, but rising each time we fall."

- Nelson Mandela

"I discovered that courage was the triumph over fear, not the absence of it."

- Nelson Mandela

"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right."

- Nelson Mandela

"Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That’s why it’s such a powerful weapon."

- Nelson Mandela

"There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

- Nelson Mandela

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. Just by being there, looking at the problem or at the darkness of your thoughts straight in the eye and deciding you won't surrender to it, you won't let it shallow you; you are being the bravest you can ever be and starting the path to your personal freedom."

- Nelson Mandela

"Education in the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

- Nelson Mandela

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

- Nelson Mandela

"Forget the past."

- Nelson Mandela

"Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- Nelson Mandela

"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

- Nelson Mandela

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

- Nelson Mandela

"Many people in this country have paid the price before me and many will pay the price after me."

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

"It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences."

- Nelson Mandela

"It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not."

- Nelson Mandela

"A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens."

- Nelson Mandela

"I greet you all in the name of peace, democracy and freedom for all. I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people. Your tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for me to be here today. I therefore place the remaining years of my life in your hands."

- Nelson Mandela

"Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice."

- Nelson Mandela

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others."

- Nelson Mandela

"When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- 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

"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

"Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

- Nelson Mandela

"I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying."

- Nelson Mandela

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

"I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying."

- Nelson Mandela

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour 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."

- Nelson Mandela

"I am fundamentally an optimist. 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

"Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future."

- 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible, until it’s done."

- Nelson Mandela

"The true measure of winning is the positive impact you have on others and the difference you make in the world."

- Nelson Mandela

"I never lose. Either I win or learn."

- Nelson Mandela

""A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.""

- Nelson Mandela

"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

"A leader…is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, where upon the other follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind."

- Nelson Mandela

"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."

- Nelson Mandela

"Our human compassion binds us the one to the other — not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future."

- 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

"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 live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."

- Nelson Mandela

"Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will."

- Nelson Mandela

"Freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs, if they can have no shelter, if illiteracy and disease continue to dog them."

- Nelson Mandela

"Hope is not a strategy, but it is a starting point."

- Nelson Mandela

"Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon."

- Nelson Mandela

"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

- Nelson Mandela

"Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty."

- Nelson Mandela

"To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy."

- Nelson Mandela

""It always seems impossible until it’s done.""

- 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