About Nelson Mandela

Anti-apartheid leader who became South Africa's first democratically elected president. (1918-2013)

See all 10 Nelson Mandela quotes

More from Nelson Mandela

• 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)
• 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)
• 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)

More quotes on failure and resilience

• Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.Helen Keller
• A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.Helen Keller
• When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.Helen Keller
• You turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning.Margaret Thatcher
• Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.Amelia Earhart
• Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.Albert Einstein

All failure and resilience quotes