We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poverty is a human-created issue that can be eliminated through collective actions.
In this quote, Nelson Mandela draws a powerful parallel between poverty and historical injustices like slavery and apartheid, emphasizing that both are not inherent to humanity but rather constructed by social systems and governance. He inspires hope by asserting that poverty can be eliminated through the proactive efforts of individuals and communities, suggesting a shared responsibility in eradicating such systemic problems.
Themes
PovertyChangeHumanityActionEradication
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a community meeting aimed at addressing poverty.
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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