We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
We can neither heal nor build if, on the one hand the rich in our society see the poor as hordes of irritants or if on the other hand the poor sit back, expecting charity. All of us must take responsibility for the upliftment of our conditions, prepared to give our best to the benefit of all
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the shared responsibility between the rich and the poor for societal progress.
Nelson Mandela highlights the importance of mutual accountability in addressing societal inequalities. He suggests that neither the wealthy should regard the poor with disdain nor should the poor rely solely on charity for their upliftment. Instead, both groups should actively participate in improving their circumstances and contributing to the well-being of the community.
Themes
ResponsibilityUpliftmentSocietyCharityEquality
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing social responsibility at a community meeting.
More from Nelson Mandela
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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.
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