Nelson Mandela is arguably the greatest South African to have lived with his example and actions inspiring the entire world. We did not have the privilege of interviewing Tata Madiba, but have included some of his now-famous quotes below.
On Education | Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
On Conquering Fear | 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.
On Perseverance | The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
Never Doubt | It always seems impossible until it’s done.
On How I Use My Mind | I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I can
not 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.”
The Importance Of Communication Skills | 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.
Connecting With Others | 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.
Learning To Love | 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.
Be Careful of Resentment | It is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
A Lesson On Leadership | Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.
On Passion | 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.
Don’t Doubt Yourself | We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
It Starts With You… | As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Let Your Greatness Blossom | 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. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.
How To Influence Others | One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.
Everything Is Possible | Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
How True Significance Is Achieved | 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
Accessibility To Opportunity | Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.
Act Now | We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
