We owe our children β the most vulnerable citizens in any society β a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being a father to a family brings more joy than being a leader of a nation.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes the profound emotional fulfillment that comes from personal relationships, particularly within a family, compared to the honor of leading a nation. It suggests that the intimate bonds and responsibilities of fatherhood provide a unique and deeper sense of joy and satisfaction than public acclaim or power.
Themes
FatherhoodFamilyJoyHonorLeadership
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of family during a community celebration.
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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A couple of years before he died, I kissed my father goodbye. He said, 'Son, you haven't kissed me since you were a little boy.' It went straight to my heart, and I kissed him whenever I saw him after that, and my sons and I always kiss whenever we meet.
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