We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses Nelson Mandela's commitment to fighting for equality and democracy, regardless of the personal cost.
In this powerful statement, Nelson Mandela emphasizes his lifelong dedication to the struggle for equality among all people, confronting both racial domination and advocating for a harmonious society. He underscores the importance of striving for a democratic environment where everyone has equal opportunities, illustrating his willingness to sacrifice even his life to attain these ideals, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and human rights.
Themes
EqualityFreedomJusticeDemocracyStruggle
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for social justice, this quote can be used to inspire commitment to equality.
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
Joe Frazier got hit more than me - and he doesn't have Parkinson's.
Muhammad AliRead
None of us is ever ready,' he (Ned) said. 'For knighthood?' 'For death.
George R. R. MartinRead
The worst possible thing ... was to lie dead in the water with any problem. Solve it, solve it quickly ... If you solved it wrong, it would come back and slap you in the face, and then you could solve it right.
Thomas Watson, Jr.Read
A warrior of light knows that certain impossible battles are worth fighting and so he/she is not afraid of being disappointed, knowing the power of his/her love.
Paulo CoelhoRead
What I do with my work is, I give women permission to be angry. Because that's our right. Because it's an emotion. Because it's been taken away from us. Because we've been silenced.
Rose McgowanRead
I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.
Marlee MatlinRead