Throughout his 95 years, Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner, president of South Africa, a human rights advocate, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner among many other major awards.
But it wasn’t the awards or titles that made him so important. Nelson Mandela had an impact on racial relations across the globe. His goal of racial freedom has been encouraged worldwide, and his death is a loss to all who yearn for equality.
It seems as though every time he spoke, there was a grand message of hope that those focused on improving racial relations could take to heart. He had amazing things to say about ending racism, social equality, and international relations.
Here are some of the greatest quotes he has left behind, which will continue to inspire those interested in a united and peaceful society:
“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”
“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.”
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
“I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.”
“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days.”
With his words as inspiration and guidance, we can all continue the fight even after his death.
Nelson Mandela
July 18, 1918-December 5, 2013
Heather Sokol is mother to four amazing, active children through both birth and adoption. She’s a little bit crunchy, always opinionated and sometimes speaks geek, but not fluently. She just translates for her geeky husband and partner in life, parenting, and Studio 27. Heather writes based on her own life experiences, which turns into a variety of topics from dating the hubby to girls’ night to family fun, and everything in between. | |||
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