I approach every problem with optimism. Nelson Mandela More Quotes by Nelson Mandela More Quotes From Nelson Mandela Each of us, as citizens, has a role to play in creating a better world for our children Nelson Mandela creatingplaychildren We must work together to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth, opportunity and power in our society. Nelson Mandela distribution-of-wealthworking-togetheropportunity 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. Nelson Mandela jailorganizationthinking What we did was to try and exploit that spirit [the idea of giving], which was there even before I approached individual South Africans [to give to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund]. I think we must start from that angle. Nelson Mandela childrenideasthinking No matter what the past has dealt you, don't let it destroy your future. Nelson Mandela positive-thinkingmatterpast I understand that the legal position is under review in South Africa and that there will soon be a broader set of organizations to which donors can give and claim tax deductions. Nelson Mandela organizationclaimsgiving 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. Nelson Mandela songinspiringtravel MY greatest regret in life is that I never became the heavyweight boxing champion ofthe world. Nelson Mandela championregretboxing The process of illusion & disillusionment is part of life and goes on endlessly. Nelson Mandela illusiongoes-onlife There are people here [in South Africa] who, whatever the debate is on a particular issue, their dominating idea is that at the end of the debate we must emerge stronger than we were before and closer to one another. Nelson Mandela issuespeopleideas I went as an observer, not a participant, for I do not think that I ever spoke. I wanted to understand the issues under discussion, evaluate the arguments, see the calibre of the men involved. Nelson Mandela issuesmenthinking If you sit down and talk to a person, it's easy to convince him that apartheid can never save a country and will lead to the slaughtering of innocent people - including his own people. Nelson Mandela down-andcountrypeople The calm and tolerant atmosphere that prevailed during the elections depicts the type of South Africa we can build. It set the tone for the future. We might have our differences, but we are one people with a common destiny in our rich variety of culture, race and tradition. Nelson Mandela destinychangerace [Giving] is the essence of the great religions of the world - whether you are discussing the Muslim, Hindu, Jewish or Christian religion. It is an essential fundamental principle of all religions, whatever stage of development a society has reached, to sympathize with others and to promote that spirit of equality. Nelson Mandela essencechristiangiving Like all Xhosa children, I acquired knowledge mainly through observation. We were meant to learn through imitation and emulation, not through questions. When I first visited the homes of whites, I was often dumbfounded by the number and nature of questions that children asked of their parents-and their parents' unfailing willingness to answer them. In my household, questions were considered a nuisance; adults imparted information as they considered necessary. Nelson Mandela homenumberschildren We know what needs to be done - all that is missing is the will to do it. Nelson Mandela donemissingneeds The laws that stopped blacks from voting were the worst, because they prevented blacks from voting someone into parliament who could change the other laws. Even though the blacks were the majority of the population, they were still not getting a say. Nelson Mandela majorityvotinglaw In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility. Nelson Mandela easierresponsibilityway There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease. Nelson Mandela wakingequalityfear 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. Nelson Mandela familyhealthinspiration
