Tribute to
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013


"When a man has done what he considers to be his duty
to his people and his country,
he can rest in peace.
I believe I have made that effort
and that is, therefore,
why I will sleep for eternity."
Nelson Mandela
----------
"We've lost one of the most influential, courageous and profoundly good human beings
that any of us will share time with.
He no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages ..."
Barack Obama
"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."
Nelson Mandela
----------
“The world has lost a visionary leader,
a courageous voice for justice, and a clear moral compass.
By showing us that the path to freedom and human dignity
lies in love, wisdom and compassion for one another,
Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all.”
Kofi Annan
<da:bigthumb id="292894376"/> <da:bigthumb id="377302970"/>
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.
It is what difference we have made to the lives of others
that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
Nelson Mandela


"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains,
but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Nelson Mandela

“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.”
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela


"I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself."
Nelson Mandela
----------
“There are so many ways that we will remember Nelson Mandela.
His determination and courage in fighting for justice for his people, his moral authority,
not least in his forgiveness of his former guards,
and his valuing of diversity in all aspects of the new South Africa.
From all who ever had contact with him, he commanded enormous respect."
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland

" There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul
than the way in which it treats its children."
Nelson Mandela

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front,
especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.
You take the front line when there is danger.
Then people will appreciate your leadership."
Nelson Mandela


“It can be said that there are four basic and primary things
that the mass of people in a society wish for:
to live in a safe environment,
to be able to work and provide for themselves,
to have access to good public health
and to have sound educational opportunities for their children.”
Speech at opening of Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy - Nelson Mandela



“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.
I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society
in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.
But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Rivonia trial, 1964 - Nelson Mandela

“It is now in the hands of your generations to help rid the world of such suffering.”
90th Birthday Gathering, June 25, 2008 - Nelson Mandela
THANK YOU, Nelson Mandela!
for showing us that nothing is impossible, if one is faithful to their dream.
We will keep your wisdom and your courage
your example, your leadership and your kindness
in our hearts - your legacy is a marvellous gift to the world!
THANK YOU!
Source and credit for the quotes:
Brainyquote and
QUARZ: "The wisdom of Nelson Mandela: quotes from the most inspiring leader of the 20th century" By Roberto A. Ferdman and Ritchie King