What 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
We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We must ensure that children grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.
Nelson Mandela emphasizes the responsibility of society to protect its children, who are the most defenseless members. He highlights the importance of creating a secure and peaceful environment for them to thrive and grow, free from the threats of violence and fear that can hinder their development and well-being.
Themes
ChildrenViolenceFearSocietyResponsibilitySafety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for children's rights, a speaker might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of creating a safer environment for youth.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →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
From the beginning, Mandela and Tambo was besieged with clients. We were not the only African lawyers in South Africa, but we were the only firm of African lawyers. For Africans, we were the firm of first choice and last resort.
Nelson MandelaRead
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