We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The value of our life is measured by the positive impact we have on others.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes that the true measure of our existence is not just in the length of our lives but in how we influence and improve the lives of those around us. It encourages us to strive for meaningful contributions to society, suggesting that a significant life is one that leaves a lasting positive imprint on others.
Themes
LifeImpactSignificanceDifferenceOthers
In practice
Example use cases
A graduation speech where students are encouraged to make a difference in their communities.
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.
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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.
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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