Light a Candle for Nelson Mandela
From One of the Most Important
Voices of Our Era...
copyright © 2010 by Nelson R. Mandela and The Nelson Mandela Foundation or From Nelson Mandela By Himself: The Authorised Book of Quotations
On speaking
Long speeches, the shaking of fists, the banging of tables and strongly worded resolutions out of touch with the objective conditions do not bring about mass action and can do a great deal of harm to the organisation and the struggle we serve.
On the liberation movement
If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.
On challenges
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.
FROM A LETTER TO WINNIE MANDELA, WRITTEN ON ROBBEN ISLAND, 1 FEBRUARY 1975
On friendship
I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.
On equality
I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison.
On time
I never think of the time I have lost. I just carry out a programme because it's there. It's mapped out for me.
On death
Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.
On ideology
I had no specific belief except that our cause was just, was very strong and it was winning more and more support.
On freedom of expression
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.
On character
It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
On leadership
Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.