We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
The time comes in the life of any nation when there remain only two choices - submit or fight. That time has now come to South Africa. We shall not submit and we have no choice but to hit back by all means in our power in defence of our people, our future, and our freedom
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the crucial moment when a nation must decide between submission and resistance.
Nelson Mandela's quote captures a pivotal moment in the struggle for freedom and justice, where he asserts that South Africa faces a critical choice: to either acquiesce to oppression or to rise against it. Mandela's call to action reflects a belief in defending one's people and the fight for a better future, marking a significant stance against tyranny and oppression.
Themes
NationChoiceFreedomFightResistanceDefense
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about fighting for civil rights, one could use this quote to inspire the audience about the importance of resistance.
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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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.
Nelson MandelaRead
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