Lessons from Mandela

OCTOBER is associated with the celebration of brotherhood and freedom. One of the most prominent personalities who have made an impact in the fight for freedom is Nelson Mandela.

Some of his quotable quotes:

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

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to triumph over it.

It’s better to lead from behind and put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory. Take the front line when there’s danger, then people will appreciate your leadership.

To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to respect the freedom of others.

I detest racialism—it’s barbaric, whether it comes from a black or a white man.

Goal

To dream about a beautiful South Africa, there are roads that lead to that goal. Two of them are called Goodness and Forgiveness.  Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden, but never extinguished.

Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it would kill your enemies.

Be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you don’t change yourself. Great peacemakers are people of integrity, honesty and humility.

As I walked toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew that if I didn’t leave bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.

You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.