Inspirational Quotes By Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela
Born July 18, 1918
South African Statesman

About Nelson Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (born 18 July 1918) was the first President of South Africa to be elected in fully representative democratic elections, serving from 1994–1999. Before his presidency, Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress and its armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe. He was convicted for crimes that occurred while he was spearheading the struggle against apartheid. He spent 27 years in prison for this, with many of those years being spent on Robben Island.

In South Africa and internationally, Mandela became a symbol of freedom and equality for his opposition to apartheid, while the apartheid government and nations sympathetic to it condemned him and the ANC as communists and terrorists.

Following his release from prison on 11 February 1990, his support for reconciliation and negotiation helped lead the transition to multi-racial democracy in South Africa. Since the end of apartheid, he has been widely praised, even by former opponents.

Mandela has received more than one hundred awards over four decades, most notably the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. He is currently a celebrated elder statesman who continues to voice his opinion on topical issues. In South Africa he is often known as Madiba, an honorary title adopted by elders of Mandela's clan. The title has come to be synonymous with Nelson Mandela.



Wisdom of the famous Nelson Mandela in the form of inspirational quotes. We hope you enjoy these famous inspirational quotes.

We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.
~Nelson Mandela

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
~Nelson Mandela

I always remember the axiom: 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.
~Nelson Mandela

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.
~Nelson Mandela

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.
~Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
~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.
~Nelson Mandela

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.
~Nelson Mandela

After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
~Nelson Mandela

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
~Nelson Mandela

There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.
~Nelson Mandela

It always seems impossible until its done.
~Nelson Mandela

Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.
~Nelson Mandela

There is no such thing as part freedom.
~Nelson Mandela

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
~Nelson Mandela

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.
~Nelson Mandela

Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.
~Nelson Mandela

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
~Nelson Mandela

I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.
~Nelson Mandela

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
~Nelson Mandela

As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself.
~Nelson Mandela