Quotes from Nelson Mandela

Prison life, fortunately, I spent a lot of years, about 18 years with other prisoners, and, as I say, they enriched your soul.

People respond in accordance to how you relate to them. If you approach them on the basis of violence, that's how they'll react. But if you say, 'We want peace, we want stability,' we can then do a lot of things that will contribute towards the progress of our society.

Apart from life, a strong constitution, and an abiding connection to the Thembu royal house, the only thing my father bestowed upon me at birth was a name, Rolihlahla.

I cannot conceive of Israel withdrawing if Arab states do not recognize Israel, within secure borders.

Without education, your children can never really meet the challenges they will face. So it's very important to give children education and explain that they should play a role for their country.

Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves.

There is no such thing as part freedom.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.

I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself.

I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife.

The time is always right to do right

My time in prison only deepened my resolve against apartheid. Even while I was in prison, I fought against it, teaching my cellmates about white supremacy and how to fight against it.

The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come. The time to build is upon us.

I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.

The time comes in the life of any nation when there remains only two choices - submit or fight.

We have introduced a rule of law into many sections of our public life.

Apart from life, a strong constitusion and an abiding connection to the Thembu royal house, the only thing my father bestowed upon me at birth was a name, Rolihlahla

I enjoyed the discipline and solitariness of long-distance running, which allowed me to escape from the hurly-burly of school life.

I will not leave South Africa, nor will I surrender. Only through hardship, sacrifice and militant action can freedom be won. The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.

I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.

I never think of the time I have lost. I just carry out a programme because it's there. It's mapped out for me.

Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

It is time for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of humanity. It is in your hands.