Quotes from Nelson Mandela

Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.

When we read we are able to travel to many places, meet many people and understand the world.

We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.

Honour belongs to those who never forsake the truth even when things seem dark and grim, who try over and over again, who are never discouraged by insults, humiliation and even defeat.

Although I am a gregarious person, I love solitude even more.

There's one place where (Fidel Castro's) Cuba stands out head and shoulders above the rest – that is in its love for human rights and liberty!

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.

Whose life testifies to the truth that there is no shame in being oppressed: Those who should be ashamed are they who oppress others.

The truth is we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

There are many people who have worked just because they love the community in which they are in, without expecting any financial consideration.

Children are the most important asset in a country. For them to become that asset, they must receive education and love from their parents.

I love playing and chatting with children...feed ing and putting them to bed with a little story, and being away from the family has troubled me throughout my...life.

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.

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.

I want to sleep for eternity with a broad smile on my face. I want those who remain behind to say this man has done his duty.

It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

If I am your leader, you have to listen to me & if you don't want to listen to me, then drop me as your leader

We must look within ourselves, become responsible and provide fresh solutions if we ever want to do more than complain,or make excuses.

I realized quickly what Mandela and Tambo meant to ordinary Africans. It was a place where they could come and find a sympathetic ear and a competent ally, a place where they would not be either turned away or cheated, a place where they might actually feel proud to be represented by men of their own skin color.

All that (Mr. Bush) wants is Iraqi oil.

I don't think there is much history can say about me. I just want to be remembered as part of that collective.

Nonviolence is a good policy when the conditions permit.