We owe our children β the most vulnerable citizens in any society β a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
There are so many men and women who hold no distinctive positions but whose contribution towards the development of society has been enormous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every individual's contributions to society are valuable, regardless of their status or position.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of recognizing that many individuals, despite not holding prominent roles, play a crucial part in societal development. Their contributions, though often overlooked, significantly shape the community and drive progress, underscoring the idea that value is not solely determined by one's title or visibility.
Themes
ContributionSocietyValueRecognitionDevelopment
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about community service, you can quote Mandela to highlight the importance of everyday heroes.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes βWhat 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
Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.
James Russell LowellRead
What a man knows at fifty that he did not know at twenty is, for the most part, incommunicable.
Adlai E. StevensonRead
Ignorance may be bliss, but it certainly is not freedom, except in the minds of those who prefer darkness to light and chains to liberty. The more true information we can acquire, the better for our enfranchisement.
Robert Hugh BensonRead
We swallow with one gulp the lie that flatters us, and drink drop by drop the truth which is bitter to us.
Denis DiderotRead
To know your faults and be able to change is the greatest virtue.
ConfuciusRead
Doverey, no proverey - Trust but verify.
Ronald ReaganRead