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.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
NM
Nelson Mandela quotes
1918-2013 ยท Presidents and world leaders
Anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa's first democratically elected president.
10 quotes, 10 traced to where Mandela said or wrote them.
No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.
Speech at the launch of the Mindset Network (2003)
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Speech at Walter Sisulu's 90th birthday celebration (2002)
Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.
Chief Albert Luthuli Centenary celebrations (1998)
I am fundamentally an optimist... Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
Letter to Makhaya Ntini on his 100th Test match (2009)