We owe our children β the most vulnerable citizens in any society β a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that everyone has flaws, but continuous effort to improve is what defines a person positively.
Nelson Mandela's quote reflects the idea that true sainthood does not lie in perfection but in the relentless pursuit of betterment despite our shortcomings. It acknowledges that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws; however, by continuously striving to improve oneself, a person can be seen as virtuous. It underscores the importance of perseverance and growth in defining one's character.
Themes
SaintSinnerTryingEffortImprovement
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to encourage resilience and perseverance.
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
You are free, but you have to choose. An open oven bakes no bread
Paulo CoelhoRead
For one who is a learner and who has not yet come to master their mind, but who dwells aspiring for peace from that which binds, making it a matter concerning himself, I know of no other thing as helpful as giving close attention to the mind.
Gautama BuddhaRead
It sounds kind of crazy, but in times of turmoil in the market, I've felt a sort of serenity in knowing that I've checked and re-checked my work, one plus one still equals two regardless of where a stock trades right after I buy it.
Seth KlarmanRead
I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.
Kristin ArmstrongRead
Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
Intelligence must follow faith, never precede it, and never destroy it.
Thomas A KempisRead