Wise Words From Nelson Mandela That Hit Harder Than Ever, In Honor of His Death Anniversary

Friday (Dec. 5) marks 22 years since Nelson Mandela died. The famed anti-apartheid activist and first President of South Africa left an indelible mark on the fight for social justice and democracy.

As a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and lauded crusader for human rights, his work and more importantly his wisdom, is something we as a country could use now, more than ever. Given his efforts and insights and into how to make the world a better place and detailed history of being on the front lines in the fight for a fairer world, we felt it fitting to look back on some of his most impactful words that could hopefully help guide us.

On Education

While Mandela made it clear that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” in 1990, he also proposed that some education doesn’t come from a classroom.

“To a narrow-thinking person, it is hard to explain that to be ‘educated’ does not mean being literate and having a BA, and that an illiterate man can be a far more ‘educated’ voter than someone with an advanced degree.”

On Courage

“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.”

On Overcoming the Impossible

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

On Embracing Diversity and Democracy

“It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”

On the Importance of Unbiased Media

“A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution, so that it can protect our rights as citizens.”

On How to Rise Above Current Circumstances

“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

On Real Leadership

“Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

On Reconciliation

“Reconciliation means working together to correct the legacy of past injustice.”

On Corruption

“Corruption is a cancer that steals from the poor, undermines trust in institutions, and destroys the moral fibre of society.”

On Treating Children Kindly

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

On What It Means to Truly Live and Make an Impact

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

On Self-Awareness

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

On Our Duty to Society

“It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.”