Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, Nobel Prize winner and anti-Apartheid icon passed away at his home in Johannesburg at the age of 95. By any standard, Madiba, as he was fondly referred to by those who loved him, lived a robust, fulfilling and impactful life.
Few people have had as much impact on history as Madiba had. History will remember him as one of the greatest men who ever lived – an incredibly selfless man who made so much of a sacrifice to re-write the history of generations of South Africans and the world.
During his lifetime Mandela inspired the world with his numerous words of wisdom, etched in our memories till tomorrow. And his words remain evergreen:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp
enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one
armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.
4. It always seems impossible until it’s done.
5. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his
people and his country, he can rest in peace.
6. Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of
their people.
7. 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.
8. Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve
success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they
do.
9. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.
10. 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.
11. Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many
times I fell down and got back up again.
12. 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.
13. Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.
14. We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is
always ripe to do right.
15. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never
extinguished
16. Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill
your enemies.
17. I like friends who have independent minds because they tend
to make you see problems from all angles.
18. A good head and a good heart are always a formidable
combination.
19. When people are determined they can overcome anything.
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