We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's important to stay committed and persist when facing challenges, rather than backing down prematurely.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes the idea that when you are on the verge of achieving something significant—symbolized by boiling water—it is unwise to give up just because the process is getting difficult. Instead, one should continue to apply the necessary effort until the goal is fully realized. Persistence during tough times is crucial, as success often comes at the point where most people choose to stop trying.
Themes
PersistenceCommitmentSuccessEffortChallenges
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing adversities during a business meeting.
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.
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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.
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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