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.
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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.
Nelson MandelaRead
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