We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity — a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a vision of hope and unity for all South Africans, emphasizing dignity and peace.
Nelson Mandela's quote reflects his commitment to fostering a society in which every individual, irrespective of race, can live with dignity and without fear. It highlights the importance of hope in overcoming adversity and signifies a collective responsibility to build a future where all South Africans can thrive together in harmony, embracing their diversity as a strength rather than a division.
Themes
HopeUnityDignitySouth AfricaPeace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a speech about the importance of social justice and equality.
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.
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We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
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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.
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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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