75 Best Nelson Mandela Quotes To Inspire You

75 Best Nelson Mandela Quotes To Inspire You

There are many well-known, famous figures throughout history. One of the most impressive examples is a resilient man who stood out for his heroism and significance as a political leader, anti-apartheid revolutionary, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate—Nelson Mandela. We continue celebrating and honoring his rousing life, impact and legacy with these 75 famous Nelson Mandela quotes!

Born in 1918, Mandela became involved in protests against the racist policies of South Africa's government in his 20s, and is known for having spent 27 years in prison for political offenses. Even though he protested against unwarranted violence and discrimination, Mandela was adamant about his counter-movement remaining peaceful and nonviolent. An inspiration to many locally and around the world, he later became South Africa's first black president.

Mandela was a truly motivational leader who gave effective speeches and wrote an inspiring autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. Here, we have his very best quotes about love and compassion for others (who may or may not seem to "deserve" it), the greatest Nelson Mandela quotes about fear and overcoming hardships for the greater good, and more.

Nelson Mandela Quotes

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

2. “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

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

4. “One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen.”

5. “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.”

6. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

7. “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.”

8. “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

9. "I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

10. “Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”

11. “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”

12. "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.”

13. "As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”

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

15. "It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.”

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16. "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

17. “Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.”

18. "I had no epiphany, no singular revelation, no moment of truth, but a steady accumulation of a thousand slights, a thousand indignities and a thousand unremembered moments produced in me an anger, a rebelliousness, a desire to fight the system that imprisoned my people. There was no particular day on which I said, Henceforth I will devote myself to the liberation of my people; instead, I simply found myself doing so, and could not do otherwise.”

19. “I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now and will do so until the end of my days.”

20. "Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.”

21. "It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

22. "We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

23. "There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.”

24. "I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.”

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25. "I never lose. I either win or learn.”

26. "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

27. "Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.”

28. "I learned that to humiliate another person is to make him suffer an unnecessarily cruel fate. Even as a boy, I defeated my opponents without dishonoring them.”

29. "Although I am a gregarious person, I love solitude even more.”

30. "As long as many of our people still live in utter poverty, as long as children still live under plastic covers, as long as many of our people are still without jobs, no South African should rest and wallow in the joy of freedom.”

31. "Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings."

32. "It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”

33. "A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”

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

35. "Where you stand depends on where you sit."

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36. "I am the captain of my soul."

37. "A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind."

38. "Appearances matter — and remember to smile."

39. "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

40. "Nothing is black or white."

41. "Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility."

42. "Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me."

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

44. "Know your enemy — and learn about his favorite sport."

45. "Quitting is leading too."

46. "When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat."

47. "It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success."

48. "Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer."

49. "Let your greatness blossom."

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50. "Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."

51. "I love playing and chatting with children…feeding and putting them to bed with a little story, and being away from the family has troubled me throughout my…life. I like relaxing at the house, reading quietly, taking in the sweet smell that comes from the pots, sitting around a table with the family and taking out my wife and children. when you can no longer enjoy these simple pleasures something valuable is taken away from your life and you feel it in your daily work."

52. "Success in politics demands that you must take your people into confidence about your views and state them very clearly, very politely, very calmly, but nevertheless, state them openly."

53. "In judging our progress as individuals we tend to concentrate on external factors such as one's social position, influence and popularity, wealth and standard of education. These are, of course, important in measuring one's success in material matters and it is perfectly understandable if many people exert themselves mainly to achieve all these. But internal factors may be even more crucial in assessing one's development as a human being. Honesty, sincerity, simplicity, humility, pure generosity, absence of vanity, readiness to serve others - qualities which are within reach of every soul - are the foundation of one's spiritual life."

54. "In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility."

55. “Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves.”

56. “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”

Nelson Mandela's Quotes About Love

57. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

58. “Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs.”

59. “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”

60. “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.”

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61. “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

62. "You will achieve more in this world through acts of mercy than you will through acts of retribution.”

63. "During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. 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.”

Nelson Mandela's Quotes About Fear

64. "Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.”

65. "The brave man is not the one who has no fears, he is the one who triumphs over his fears.”

66. "There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”

67. "Men have different capacities and react differently to stress. But the stronger ones raised up the weaker ones, and both became stronger in the process.”

68. "Those who conduct themselves with morality, integrity and consistency need not fear the forces of inhumanity and cruelty.”

69. "There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal triumph if you have the iron will and the necessary skill.”

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70. "We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.”

71. “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.”

72. "Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end.”

73. "Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

74. "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

75. "Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.”

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Top 55 Nelson Mandela Quotes for Inspiration and Motivation

Best Nelson Mandela Quotes: Nelson Mandela is the greatest symbol of South Africa’s freedom. The first democratically elected president of South Africa, Mandela devoted his complete life to the service of humanity. And today, on his 105th birth anniversary we are celebrating his legacy. Let's reinforce his dedication and passion towards the welfare of the society with best of words to encourage, inspire and enlighten others.

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo, Cape Province, South Africa. He was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and the first black president of South Africa (1994-1999). Mandela dedicated his life to fighting against racial segregation and inequality.

His achievements are numerous, but he is best known for his instrumental role in dismantling apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation and promoting reconciliation in South Africa. Mandela's leadership and advocacy for peaceful resistance earned him international recognition. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, along with South African President F.W. de Klerk, for their efforts to end apartheid peacefully.

Mandela's struggle against apartheid spanned several decades. In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his involvement in armed resistance against the apartheid regime. He spent 27 years in prison, primarily on Robben Island. Mandela's imprisonment became a symbol of the global anti-apartheid movement, and he continued to be an influential figure even while incarcerated.

After his release in 1990, Mandela played a crucial role in negotiating the peaceful transition of power in South Africa. He became the country's first black president in 1994, leading the nation through a period of transition and reconciliation. Mandela's presidency focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid, promoting human rights, and fostering racial harmony.

Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 95. His death was mourned globally, and he left behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and dedication to justice and equality. Mandela's life serves as an inspiration to people around the world, demonstrating the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Nelson Mandela Biography

Inspirational and Motivational Quotes by Nelson Mandela“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

“It always seems impossible until it's done.”

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

“One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen.”

“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.”

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

“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.”

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

"I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”

“I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”

"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.”

"As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”

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

"It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.”

"A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

“Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.”

“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now and will do so until the end of my days.”

"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.”

"It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.”

"We must use time creatively, and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

"There is a universal respect and even admiration for those who are humble and simple by nature, and who have absolute confidence in all human beings irrespective of their social status.”

"I have never cared very much for personal prizes. A person does not become a freedom fighter in the hope of winning awards.”

"I never lose. I either win or learn.”

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Famous Nelson Mandela Quotes "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

"Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.”

"I learned that to humiliate another person is to make him suffer an unnecessarily cruel fate. Even as a boy, I defeated my opponents without dishonouring them.”

"Although I am a gregarious person, I love solitude even more.”

"A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”

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

"Where you stand depends on where you sit."

"I am the captain of my soul."

"Appearances matter and remember to smile."

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

"Nothing is black or white."

"Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, of honesty, but humility."

"Freedom is indivisible; the chains on any one of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me."

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

"Know your enemy and learn about his favourite sport."

"Quitting is leading too."

"When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat."

"It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success."

"Keep your friends close — and your rivals even closer."

"Let your greatness blossom."

"Tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."

"In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility."

“When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.”

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”

Nelson Mandela teaches the world values of perseverance, forgiveness, and the power of unity in the face of oppression. His life teaches us the importance of fighting for justice, promoting equality, and embracing the principles of reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

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50+ don't beg for love quotes and captions for Instagram

Love is a set of emotions exhibited in various ways, including passion, commitment, care, and much more. Although the specifics mentioned count as ways of expressing love, there is no rubric, and it is a free-for-all platform. But particular sentiments are easy to get wind of, more so rejection. So, what happens when your love isn't reciprocated? It is one of the most unfortunate scenarios you might encounter. The worst thing you can do is to beg for it. If you find yourself in such a situation, resort to inspirational don’t beg for love quotes that you can share on Instagram to keep you motivated.

A black couple in love sitting on the couch at home, angry. Photo: fizkes (modified by author)Source: Getty Images

They say, “Beggars are not choosers”. And indeed, if you ever find yourself in the disadvantaged position of begging, you will always be at the other party’s mercy. A relationship is two-way.

Is begging for it an option? Never beg someone to love you; you have numerous inspirational quotes and messages to keep your going.

Don’t beg for love quotes for Instagram

“Get a grip of yourself.” The short words of wisdom are perfect if you ever beg for love. If your love isn't reciprocated naturally, it is probably a lost cause.

However, fairy tale stories tell otherwise, but these are utopian worlds with unrealistic ideologies. You are in the real world, and the bottom line is to never beg for a relationship. If you are looking for the ideal start, there is no better way than to enlighten yourself with don't beg for love messages.

Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care about someone anymore. It’s just realising that the only person you have control over is yourself. – Deborah Reber

Learn to walk away from the arms where you don’t belong before you end up suffocating there. – Sai Pradeep

Never chase someone who doesn’t know your worth because the moment you catch him, you will always feel you were never good enough. – Shannon L. Alder

If it comes, let it come. If it stays, let it stay. If it goes, let it go. – Nicholas Sparks

Happiness doesn’t have to be chased…it merely has to be chosen. – Mandy Hale

Some people can walk away from you… let them walk. I don’t want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you… Your destiny is never tied to anybody. – Td Jakes

I realised there was no point or sense in chasing after happiness that had perished. – Mikhail Lermontov

The moment you feel like you have to prove your worth to someone is to absolutely and utterly walk away. – Alysia Harris

Don't beg a man to keep you. If he is still deciding, you are right; decide for yourself. You deserve better than maybe. ― Paula Heller Garland

If you think I will cry all over your chest because you don’t feel the same way, you’re wrong. I don’t beg for anybody’s love. ― Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Never beg for love or to be loved! Love must be shown but should never be begged for. ― Lyza Sahertian

Go where love is. Stop begging people to stay when they don't appreciate your efforts. ― Keishorne Scott

You deserve more love in a relationship and joy that comes your way. You don’t have to beg for what is good and beautiful in a relationship; let love come for you and never beg for it.

You don’t have to beg for love or happiness in a relationship.

You deserve to be loved and cherished. You deserve to feel joy every day in your relationship. You don’t need to beg for a relationship. You deserve it.

Stand out and attract a relationship that is good and beautiful. Never beg for it.

You know that you deserve a relationship full of love and happiness; you’ll never settle for anything less.

Love is available to you. You are capable of building a healthy, lasting relationship. Please don't beg for it.

Never beg for a relationship, and never chase it. When it’s time, the right person will come your way… And when that happens, you’ll not need to beg or chase them.

Be happy and never beg for a relationship. Be grateful for what you have and not what you’re missing.

Short, don't beg for love and care quotesA young couple with relationship difficulties at a restaurant. Photo: Maica (modified by author)Source: Getty Images

The briefest messages are the most impactful. There is also no better way to tell it like it is when you want to express yourself, more so in relationships and love matters, than using short words and not being overly expressive. It is a great way to assert to yourself that you don't beg for love and attention and stay true to the cause.

When you beg for love, the person who gives you love will not give it to you.

Love is like a train; you have to wait for it.

You cannot buy love, but you can earn it.

If you are not getting what you want in life, chances are that what you are doing is wrong.

Love is blind; it makes people do silly things, like give up their souls to get a chance to be loved by someone else.

Love is a game where two people simultaneously say the same thing and mean different things.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

I will love myself today for everything I've done right and my mistakes.

Don’t beg for love; ask for it.

The only infinite thing is the chances you miss.

Love is a commitment, not a feeling.

Never chase love and affection or attention. If it’s given freely by another person, it is worth having.

Decide this minute to never again beg anyone for the love, respect, and attention you should be showing yourself.

Don't beg anybody for anything, especially love.

When you're confident in what you bring to the table, you don't have to chase and beg anyone to sit down and eat. - Stephan Labossiere

Deep begging for love quotesA mature couple talking while enjoying dinner. Photo: Andersen Ross Photography Inc (modified by author)Source: Getty Images

You have to be honest with yourself when it comes to love. You have probably seen relationships messing people up, and it primarily stems from unreciprocated love. Begging is never an option; it might leave you used and abused. You have numerous examples if you search for something profound to share on Instagram.

I’ve learned that you can’t force someone to love you. The right person will come along and love you effortlessly.

Don't settle for being someone's second choice. Please wait for the person who sees you as their first and only.

Begging for love is a sign of insecurity. You are worthy of love and affection without begging for it.

Never beg someone to love you. The people who genuinely care about you will love you without hesitation.

Begging for love is like trying to hold onto a sandcastle. It just crumbles.

If someone doesn’t love you, don’t beg them to. You deserve someone who loves you deeply and passionately.

Begging for love is a sign of immaturity. Be patient and trust that the right person will come along.

Never beg someone to love you. Your value is not determined by anyone else’s decision to love you.

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. – Oscar Wilde

The greatest thing you'll ever learn is to love and be loved in return. – Edith Piaf

Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line. – Lucille Ball

Love is not something you go out and look for. Love finds you.

The best love is the kind that awakens the soul, makes us reach for more, plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. – The Notebook