Nelson Mandela was a South African former president and political activist who received global acclaim for his role in bringing democracy to his homeland.
Nelson Mandela Day (July 18) is internationally recognised with countries across the globe paying homage to his legacy.
He was born on July 18, 1918 and this is the 104th celebration of his life.
RACIAL SEGREGATION
Mandela was instrumental in tearing down the oppressive government that existed during apartheid, a period of racial segregation that took place from 1948 to the early 1990s.
He became the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
Mandela not only fought for a better South Africa but wanted a better world. He believed that freedom and justice should be universally respected and fought for the rights of many black people.
He faced oppression during his time but persevered to become one of the most influential people in the world. Mandela died on December 5, 2013 but his legacy lives on through his words and actions.
These are some of his most famous quotes:
1. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
2. “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.”
3. “In a world that so often decries the apathy of its youth, we can open our arms for the millions of adolescents eager to contribute their new ideas and bounding enthusiasm.”
4. “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.”
5. “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.” Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela written by Nelson Mandela in 1994.
6. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
7. “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, background, or 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.”
8. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
9. “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.” – Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela written by Nelson Mandela in 1994.
10. “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”
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