We owe our children β the most vulnerable citizens in any society β a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
No form of violence can ever be excused in a society that wishes to call itself decent
Interpretation
What this quote means
Violence is unacceptable in a civilized society.
Nelson Mandela's quote emphasizes the idea that for a society to consider itself decent, it must reject all forms of violence. It serves as a reminder of the ethical standards that must be upheld in order to foster peace, justice, and mutual respect among individuals, highlighting the importance of finding non-violent solutions to conflicts.
Themes
ViolenceSocietyDecencyPeaceJusticeEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal values, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of non-violence.
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.
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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.
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