Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (Former President of South Africa) was born (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013) in Mvezo, Union of South Africa. He studied law at University of Fort Hare and University of Witwatersand before working as a lawyer in Johannesburg. There he became involved in anti-colonial and African nationalist politics, joined the ANC in 1943 and co-founded its Youth League in 1944.
Mandela served 27 years in prison, Amid growing domestic and international pressure and fears of racial civil war, President F. W. de Klerk released him in 1990. In 1994, Mandela led the ANC to victory and became president.
Mandela was a controversial figure for most of his life. Widely regarded as a symbol of democracy and social justice, he has received more than 250 honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize. He is held in deep reverence in South Africa, where he is often identified by the name Madiba of his Thembu clan and is described as the "Father of the Nation".
Below are some of the Nelson Mandela quotes about Life, Education, Love, Peace, Courage and Leadership.
Nelson Mandela quotes about Life
1. “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” –Nelson Mandela
2. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” –Nelson Mandela
3. “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” –Nelson Mandela
4. “Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.” –Nelson Mandela
5. “Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.” –Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela quotes about Education
6. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela
7. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.” –Nelson Mandela
8. “Forget the past.” –Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela quotes about Peace
9. “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” –Nelson Mandela
10. “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
11. “I never lose. I either win or learn.” –Nelson Mandela
12. “It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences.” –Nelson Mandela
13. “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
14. “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.” –Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela quotes about Leadership
15. “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
16. “It always seems impossible until it's done.” –Nelson Mandela
17. “Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.” –Nelson Mandela
18. “People respond in accordance to how you treat them.” –Nelson Mandela
19. “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.” –Nelson Mandela
20. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” –Nelson Mandela
21. “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
22. “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” –Nelson Mandela
23. “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” –Nelson Mandela
24. “You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.” –Nelson Mandela
25. “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” –Nelson Mandela