Nelson Mandela Sayings

"It is a grave error for any leader to be oversensitive in the face of criticism, to conduct discussions as if he or she is a schoolmaster talking to less informed and inexperienced learners." ~ Nelson Mandela from the unpublished sequel to his autobiography, circa 1998

"I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as sure as I am not free when my humanity is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity." ~ Nelson Mandela from Long Walk to Freedom, 1994

"Our future as human beings depends on our intelligent and prudent use of the oceans. And that in turn will depend on the determined efforts of dedicated women and men from all parts of our planet." ~ Nelson Mandela during the 5th Session of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans, Cape Town, South Africa, 11 November 1997

"We operate in a world which is searching for a better life – without the imprisonment of dogma." ~ Nelson Mandela during the closing session of the 50th ANC National Conference, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, South Africa, 20 December 1997

"A new world will be won not by those who stand at a distance with their arms folded, but by those who are in the arena" ~ Nelson Mandela from a letter to Winnie Mandela, written on Robben Island, 23 June 1969

"Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings." ~ Nelson Mandela during the launch of the 'Make Poverty History' Campaign, Trafalgar Square, London, England, 3 February 2005

"Your parents and elders sacrificed much so that you should have freedom without suffering what they did. Use this precious right to ensure that the darkness of the past never returns." ~ Nelson Mandela during an address at the Opening of the President's Budget Debate, Parliament, Cape Town, South Africa, 2 March 1999