A blind pursuit of cheap popularity has nothing to do with revolt

— Nelson Mandela

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

— Nelson Mandela

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

— Nelson Mandela

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.

— Nelson Mandela

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

A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.

— Nelson Mandela

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.

— Nelson Mandela

A Nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but it's the lowest ones

— Nelson Mandela

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

— Nelson Mandela

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.

— Nelson Mandela