Today the world grieves yesterday’s passing of Nelson Mandela—leader and champion of the anti-apartheid movement, former (and first black) President of South Africa, tireless advocate for racial equality and human rights, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and assiduous proponent of reconciliation in all matters of conflict. Needless to say, his passionate activism and his intense commitment to social justice issues in South Africa have had a rippling effect, beginning within his beloved yet torn country decades ago and spreading out into a world similarly wrought with oppressive patterns and abuses against human dignity.
Mandela has served as an inspiration to many—a global collective spanning generations and nationalities. His words are well-remembered, although not only for their eloquence and the content they embody, but also for their reflection of his own lifelong commitment to action, particularly in creating a more equitable and effective democracy in South Africa that recognizes human rights and human dignity.
Provided CivicSource’s own commitment to matters of civic engagement and democratic participation, we have included below a countdown of our 10 favorite Mandela quotes—quotes that would prove wise to keep within our national collective consciousness as we strive to effect change in our own public acts.
The Inspirational Legacy of Nelson Mandela in 10 Quotes:
10. "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."—Long Walk to Freedom, 1995
9. "Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."—A Letter to Makhaya Ntini, 2009
8. "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."—Long Walk to Freedom, 1995
7. “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.”—90th Birthday Celebration of Walter Sisulu, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2002
6. “When the history of our times is written, will we be remembered as the generation that turned our backs in a moment of global crisis or will it be recorded that we did the right thing?” —Tromso, Norway, 2005
5. “It is now in the hands of your generations to help rid the world of such suffering.”—90th Birthday Gathering, 2008
4. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
3. “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”—Kliptown, Soweto, South Africa, 2008
2. “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, 1995
1. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
(Thumbnail image source: Media 24 / Gallo Images / Getty Images file via http://nbcnews.to/194gpcy)
