Quotes By Nelson Mandela

I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.

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.

Intervention only works when the people concerned seem to be keen for peace.

I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.

There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease.

Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.

Does anybody really think that they didn't get what they had because they didn't have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?

I do not deny that I planned sabotage. I did not plan it in a spirit of recklessness nor because I have any love of violence. I planned it as a result of a calm and sober assessment of the political situation that had arisen after many years of tyranny, exploitation and oppression of my people by the whites.

I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world.

I started to make a study of the art of war and revolution and, whilst abroad, underwent a course in military training. If there was to be guerrilla warfare, I wanted to be able to stand and fight with my people and to share the hazards of war with them.

Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.

We can't afford to be killing one another.

Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.

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.

Our single most important challenge is therefore to help establish a social order in which the freedom of the individual will truly mean the freedom of the individual.

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

I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

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

Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself.

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.

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

The United States has made serious mistakes in the conduct of its foreign affairs, which have had unfortunate repercussions long after the decisions were taken.

Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.

Forget the past.

It always seems impossible until its done.

There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty.

I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists.

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