Quotes By Nelson Mandela

We can't afford to be killing one another.

Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.

I started to make a study of the art of war and revolution and, whilst abroad, underwent a course in military training. If there was to be guerrilla warfare, I wanted to be able to stand and fight with my people and to share the hazards of war with them.

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

Our single most important challenge is therefore to help establish a social order in which the freedom of the individual will truly mean the freedom of the individual.

Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

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

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.

I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.

I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.

Sometimes, I feel like one who is on the sidelines, who has missed life itself.

Forget the past.

The United States has made serious mistakes in the conduct of its foreign affairs, which have had unfortunate repercussions long after the decisions were taken.

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

It always seems impossible until its done.

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

There are many people in South Africa who are rich and who can share those riches with those not so fortunate who have not been able to conquer poverty.

Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.

I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists.

I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife.

Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.

I have been influenced in my thinking by both west and east.

I have retired, but if there's anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do.

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.

You know, you can only lead them from behind.

A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.

If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don't ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elections, they want observers.

Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.

In my country we go to prison first and then become President.

Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.