Nelson Mandela Inspirational Quotes: A Powerful Collection to Ignite Your Spirit

"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

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- 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

"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

"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

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

- 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Oliver Goldsmith

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- 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

"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

"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

"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

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

- 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

"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

"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

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

- 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

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

- 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- 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

"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

"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 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

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

- Nelson Mandela

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

- Nelson Mandela