Nelson Mandela Quotes

Nelson Mandela's collection of the most iconic quotations and thoughts


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.


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.


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.


A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.


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.


It always seems impossible until its done.


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.


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


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


We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.


About Nelson Mandela:
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 - 5 December 2013) was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was South Africa's first black chief executive, and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid through tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality, and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as President of the African National Congress (ANC) party from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela was Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.