Quotes By Nelson Mandela

Give a child love, laughter and peace, not AIDS.

I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.

I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself.

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.

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.

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

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

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

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

I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.

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

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.

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.

There are many people who feel that it is useless and futile to continue talking about peace and non-violence against a government whose only reply is savage attacks on an unarmed and defenceless people.

It always seems impossible until its done.

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.

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.

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

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

I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.

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

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.

You know, you can only lead them from behind.

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.

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.

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

If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America.