Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandelawas a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country'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 and fostering racial reconciliation. Politically an African nationalist and democratic socialist, he served as President of the African National Congressparty from 1991 to 1997...
NationalitySouth African
ProfessionWorld Leader
Date of Birth18 July 1918
CityMvezo, South Africa
There is no passion to be found playing small.
When those in power deny you of freedom the only path to freedom is power
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you....As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Where you stand depends on where you sit.
Quitting is leading too.
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
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.
It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.
I am the captain of my soul.
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.
It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.
A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.