We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Freedom requires struggle and perseverance, often through difficult challenges.
Nelson Mandela emphasizes that the journey to freedom is not simple or straightforward. It often involves facing significant hardships and obstacles, represented here by 'the valley of the shadow of death.' However, enduring these trials is essential to ultimately achieve our highest aspirations, symbolized as reaching the 'mountaintop of our desires.'
Themes
FreedomStrugglePerseveranceFreedom JourneyOvercoming Obstacles
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students about facing challenges.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →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
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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