We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Honour belongs to those who never forsake the truth even when things seem dark and grim, who try over and over again, who are never discouraged by insults, humiliation and even defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of standing by the truth and persistently striving, despite facing adversity and negative experiences.
Nelson Mandela's quote highlights that true honor is found in individuals who remain committed to the truth, regardless of the challenges they face. It underscores the value of resilience and perseverance, stressing that even in dark times, one should continue to uphold their beliefs and not be swayed by insults or setbacks. Honor is not merely a title to be claimed; it is earned through unwavering dedication to integrity in the face of adversity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a motivational speech about the importance of integrity in leadership.
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.
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.
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
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.
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.
Similar quotes
A ship in port is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.
When we look back on all the perils through which we have passed and at the mighty foes that we have laid low and all the dark and deadly designs that we have frustrated, why should we fear for our future? We have come safely through the worst.
"Mr. Thornton," said Margaret, shaking all over with her passion, "go down this instant, if you are not a coward. Go down and face them like a man. Save these poor strangers, whom you have decoyed here. Speak to your workmen as if they were human beings. Speak to them kindly. Don't let the soldiers come in and cut down poor-creatures who are driven mad. I see one there who is. If you have any courage or noble quality in you, go out and speak to them, man to man."
May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism.
I'm not a hero. The Hongkongers who confronted tear gas in the streets are the heroes.
Here stands a girl clutching a knife. There is grease on the stove, blood in the air, and angry words piled in the corners. We are trained not to see it, not to see any of it. . . . Someone just ripped off my eyelids.