Quotes to Live by from Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela has been one of the most influential and inspirational people of the last century. He passed on to total freedom in his eternal rest yesterday, December 5, 2006. His legacy still lives on. In his honour of this great man, today we share 10 of his best known quotes that, if internalised, could make you a better person for having heard his words. 

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Difficulties break some men but make others.”

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“When people are determined they can overcome anything.”

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

“There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”