Nelson Mandela
Birthday:
18 July 1918, Mvezo, Union of South Africa [now South Africa]
Birth Name:
Rolihlahla Mandela
Height:
185 cm
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013) was the former leader of the African National Congress (ANC). He was known for his lifelong struggle against apartheid (enforced racial separation), which was instituted in South Africa in 1948. The ANC was soon declared a terrorist organization and banned by the South African government....
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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013) was the former leader of the African National Congress (ANC). He was known for his lifelong struggle against apartheid (enforced racial separation), which was instituted in South Africa in 1948. The ANC was soon declared a terrorist organization and banned by the South African government. Mandela was arrested in 1962 and imprisoned for life on "terrorist" charges, but in 1990, he was freed by South African president F.W. de Klerk. In 1994, Mandela was elected president of South Africa.Two biographical films were made and Mandela and de Klerk (1997) focused on Mandela's life's struggles. Show less «
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.
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 fron...Show more »
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. Show less «
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 co...Show more »
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. Show less «
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Give a child love, laughter and peace, not AIDS.
Give a child love, laughter and peace, not AIDS.
I have always regarded myself, in the first place, as an African patriot.
I have always regarded myself, in the first place, as an African patriot.
I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world.
I can't pretend that I'm brave and that I can beat the whole world.
Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.
Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.
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.
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.
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
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.
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.
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
It always seems impossible until it's done.
It always seems impossible until it's done.
Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.
Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.
There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before...Show more »
There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires. Show less «
If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don't ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elec...Show more »
If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don't ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elections, they want observers. Show less «
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
In my country we go to prison first and then become President.
In my country we go to prison first and then become President.
We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
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 com...Show more »
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? Show less «
I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.
I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.
Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.
I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.
A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge s...Show more »
A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed. Show less «
Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.
Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.
Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.
If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness...Show more »
If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness. Show less «
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
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 d...Show more »
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. Show less «
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.
Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.
Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.
Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.
Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.
No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.
Communists have always played an active role in the fight by colonial countries for their freedom, because the short-term objects of Communi...Show more »
Communists have always played an active role in the fight by colonial countries for their freedom, because the short-term objects of Communism would always correspond with the long-term objects of freedom movements. Show less «
There is no such thing as part freedom.
There is no such thing as part freedom.
Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.
Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.
I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.
I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.
We can't afford to be killing one another.
We can't afford to be killing one another.
If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America.
If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America.
Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our commo...Show more »
Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future. Show less «
In countries where innocent people are dying, the leaders are following their blood rather than their brains.
In countries where innocent people are dying, the leaders are following their blood rather than their brains.
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
Where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and powerful now have new means to further enrich and empower themselves at th...Show more »
Where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and powerful now have new means to further enrich and empower themselves at the cost of the poorer and weaker, we have a responsibility to protest in the name of universal freedom. Show less «
Leaders in all spheres who are living with HIV should be encouraged, not coerced, to lead by example and disclose their HIV status.
Leaders in all spheres who are living with HIV should be encouraged, not coerced, to lead by example and disclose their HIV status.
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 ...Show more »
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. Show less «
Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself.
Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself.
I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.
I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.
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.
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.
Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
By ancestry, I was born to rule.
By ancestry, I was born to rule.
Forget the past.
Forget the past.
I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.
I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.
Intervention only works when the people concerned seem to be keen for peace.
Intervention only works when the people concerned seem to be keen for peace.
I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my frie...Show more »
I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself. Show less «
I have retired, but if there's anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do.
I have retired, but if there's anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do.
It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.
It is wise to persuade people to do things and make them think it was their own idea.
I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife.
I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife.
I have been influenced in my thinking by both west and east.
I have been influenced in my thinking by both west and east.
I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.
I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.
If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.
If you are poor, you are not likely to live long.
Nonviolence is a good policy when the conditions permit.
Nonviolence is a good policy when the conditions permit.
You know, you can only lead them from behind.
You know, you can only lead them from behind.
Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.
Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.
My son has died of AIDS.
My son has died of AIDS.
Let us give publicity to H.I.V./AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is ...Show more »
Let us give publicity to H.I.V./AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of H.I.V./AIDS, and people will stop regarding it as something extraordinary. Show less «
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 w...Show more »
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. Show less «
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 conq...Show more »
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. Show less «
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 a...Show more »
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. Show less «
Our single most important challenge is therefore to help establish a social order in which the freedom of the individual will truly mean the...Show more »
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. Show less «
There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile to continue talking about peace and non-violence against a government whose onl...Show more »
There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile to continue talking about peace and non-violence against a government whose only reply is savage attacks on an unarmed and defenseless people. Show less «
The titanic effort that has brought liberation to South Africa, and ensured the total liberation of Africa, constitutes an act of redemption...Show more »
The titanic effort that has brought liberation to South Africa, and ensured the total liberation of Africa, constitutes an act of redemption for the black people of the world. Show less «
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 g...Show more »
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. Show less «
The United States has made serious mistakes in the conduct of its foreign affairs, which have had unfortunate repercussions long after the d...Show more »
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. Show less «
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. un...Show more »
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. Show less «
Special Olympians face prejudice with the injustice of apartheid.
Special Olympians face prejudice with the injustice of apartheid.
[on Steve Biko, who was murdered in 1977] They had to kill him to prolong the life of apartheid.
[on Steve Biko, who was murdered in 1977] They had to kill him to prolong the life of apartheid.
During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fough...Show more »
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 idea 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. Show less «
Nelson Mandela's Photos
