20 of Nelson Mandela Best Quotes and Words

Nelson Mandela, popularly called Madiba by South Africans, former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner died at the ripe age of  95.  His struggle to overturn apartheid was an inspiration to many around the world having spent over twenty-seven years in prison to liberate the black community in
South African.

 Here are his 20 inspring words and quotes:

1. “If I had my time over I would do the same again, so would any man who dares call himself a man.” (After being convicted to five years hard labor,
November 1962)

2. "I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience.” (Statement during trial, 1962)

3. “Social equality is the only basis of human happiness.”  (A letter written on August 1, 1970)

4. "Great anger and violence can never build a nation. We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors.” (Speech to European Parliament, 1990)

5. “Without democracy there cannot be peace.” (South Africa, May 9, 1992)

6. “We are fighting for a society where people will cease thinking in terms of colour.” (March 8, 1993)

7. "Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”  (December 16, 1995)

8. "I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

9. "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." (From Long Walk to
Freedom, 1995)

10."If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." (From Long Walk to Freedom, 1995)

11. "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."

12. "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."

13. "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

14 "Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

15. "Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

16. "I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the  end of my days."

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

18. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

19. "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

20. "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."