RIP Mandela, with love

[Ben_JS]

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, 1918 – 2013, RIP

A beautiful human being who deserves all the recognition given.

His wisdom:

@Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

@Nelson Mandela

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.

@Nelson Mandela

I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.

@Nelson Mandela

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.

@Nelson Mandela

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

@Nelson Mandela

As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself… Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility.

@Nelson Mandela

One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.

@Nelson Mandela

Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.

@Nelson Mandela

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.

But now it has, my friend. I wish you bliss. May others the wisdom to recognize the path you illuminated.

And finally:

@Nelson Mandela

Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. 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. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.

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Look at how the world reacts to him. How can you be pessimistic?

[Ben_JS]

@Nelson Mandela

Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

@Nelson Mandela

I am the product of Africa and her long-cherished view of rebirth that can now be realised so that all of her children may play in the sun

@Nelson Mandela

Any man that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose

@Nelson Mandela

Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.

@Nelson Mandela

Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.

@Nelson Mandela

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.

@Nelson Mandela

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

@Nelson Mandela

It always seems impossible until it’s done.

@Nelson Mandela

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

@Nelson Mandela

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?