We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Running exemplifies how hard work and discipline can overcome natural talent.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of perseverance and effort over inherent ability. It suggests that through consistent training and dedication, one can achieve success regardless of their natural talents, and that this principle can be applied to all aspects of life.
Themes
RunningSuccessDisciplineTrainingMotivationEffort
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a school, one could use this quote to inspire students to work hard regardless of their natural abilities.
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.
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
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