We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
I was made, by the law, a criminal, not because of what I had done, but because of what I stood for, because of what I thought, because of my conscience... If I had my time over I would do the same again. So would any man who dares call himself a man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's convictions, even in the face of legal repercussions.
Nelson Mandela's quote reflects on the profound moral courage it takes to stand up for one's beliefs, even when the law deems those beliefs criminal. He suggests that true manhood is defined not by conformity to unjust laws, but by the willingness to uphold one's conscience and principles, even at great personal cost.
Themes
CourageConscienceConvictionJusticeFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech advocating for civil rights, one might say this quote to underline the importance of fighting for justice.
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
Similar quotes
What was there to be gained by fighting the most evil wizard who has ever existed?" said Black, with a terrible fury in his face. "Only innocent lives, Peter!" "You don't understand!" whined Pettigrew. "He would have killed me, Sirius!" "THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED!" roared Black. "DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!
J. K. RowlingRead
In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.
Horatio NelsonRead
When a match has equal partners then I fear not.
AeschylusRead
It is God who enables us to return to life after tragedy-not by eradicating all suffering but by giving us the strength and the courage to heal what we can heal.
Naomi LevyRead
You should have a fear of some things. That doesn't mean it incapacitates you from your ability to figure out a way to deal with it.
Chris HadfieldRead
If you think of all the publicity about the terrible tragedy of Virginia Tech, we have a Virginia Tech in this country every day. It's just spread across 50 states.
Michael BloombergRead