We owe our children β the most vulnerable citizens in any society β a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
When we decided to take up arms, it was because the only other choice was to surrender and to submit to slavery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of standing up against oppression rather than succumbing to it.
In this quote, Nelson Mandela highlights the difficult decision to resist and fight for freedom rather than accept a life of subjugation and oppression. It reflects the need for courage in the face of injustice and the belief that fighting for one's rights is a noble and necessary endeavor when faced with the choice of surrendering to tyranny.
Themes
CourageFreedomOppressionChoiceFight
In practice
Example use cases
During a rally for human rights, one might use this quote to inspire action against injustice.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes βWhat freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Nelson MandelaRead
The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
Nelson MandelaRead
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
Nelson MandelaRead
After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
Nelson MandelaRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead
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