Quotes from Nelson Mandela

Africans require, want, the franchise on the basis of one man one vote. They want political independence.

You know, you can only lead them from behind.

Forget the past.

By ancestry, I was born to rule.

We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination.

Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement.

The education I received was a British education, in which British ideas, British culture, British institutions, were automatically assumed to be superior. There was no such thing as African culture.

I always knew that someday I would once again feel the grass under my feet and walk in the sunshine as a free man.

I have never regarded any man as my superior, either in my life outside or inside prison.

Any man or institution that tries to rob me of my dignity will lose.

I went as an observer, not a participant, for I do not think that I ever spoke. I wanted to understand the issues under discussion, evaluate the arguments, see the calibre of the men involved.

Adversity cleanses the lethargies of man

Video screenshot Facts and figures from Nelson Mandela's life, set to the trailer from 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.' "Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished."

I would like it to be said: here lies a man who has done his duty on earth

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.

I feel like a young man of 15.

Greece is the mother of democracy and South Africa is its youngest daughter

A winner is a dreamer who never gives up

I never lose. Either I win or learn.

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.

I've never had a single moment of depression, because I know my cause will triumph.

Artists reach areas far beyond the reach of politicians. Art, especially entertainment and music, is understood by everybody, and it lifts the spirits and the morale of those who hear it.

The curious beauty about African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad story.

Politics can be strengthened by music, but music has a potency that defies politics.