We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The past can inform our future decisions, but we ultimately have the power to choose our path.
Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of learning from our past experiences while reminding us that our future is shaped by the choices we make today. He encourages us to reflect on our history, taking valuable lessons and leaving behind negative influences, empowering us to move forward positively.
Themes
PastFutureDecisionsChoicesLearning
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about personal growth.
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.
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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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From the beginning, Mandela and Tambo was besieged with clients. We were not the only African lawyers in South Africa, but we were the only firm of African lawyers. For Africans, we were the firm of first choice and last resort.
Nelson MandelaRead
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