I had the pleasure of meeting Nelson Mandela, and I love the man.
“Our Deepest Fear” is a great quote that I’m sure he enjoys, but it is often incorrectly credited to Nelson Mandela, and did not come from his Inauguration Speech, 1994.
Check it out for yourself if you would like – here are links to two official African government sites with Nelson Mandela’s 1994 Inauguration Speech:
- Mandela: Inauguration Address – Cape Town, 09 May 1994, via South Africa Government Online Official Web site.
- Statement Of The President Of The African National Congress Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela At His Inauguration As President Of The Democratic Republic Of South Africa Union Buildings – Pretoria, 10 May 1994, via ANC’s (African National Congress) Official Web site.
Quotes from Nelson Mandela
Here are some other quotes from Nelson Mandela, however, that I think you will enjoy:
- “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 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.“
- “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.“
- “After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.“
- “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.“
- “In my country we go to prison first and then become President.“
- “It always seems impossible until its done.“
- “Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?“
- “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.“
- “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.“
- “There is no such thing as part freedom.“
- “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.“
- “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.“
Are there any other quotes from him that you like?
Attended a UN conference in Johannesburg in 1996. The keynote speakers and panel members were Mandela and king Hussein of Jordan.
The big hall next to the conference center was filled with stands and people. Suddenly there was a silence. Mandela was walking through the hall. All of us gathered and formed a path for him to walk through the hall. Simultaneously we all started clapping our hands in respect to him and his charisma.
Charisma is correct as, I think, it derives from Karis, care, charity.
I am who I am to come up with this visionary to be able to replace the motherly care that the ten children we are taking care of have been denied. My husband I, have given more peace to OUR children and the best part is calling us mom and dad. To day I am on my way from Switzerland to Zambia and celebrate my 50th birthday with them. I am thankful to the almighty for his wisdom,:)