We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Courage involves overcoming fear, not being without it.
This quote by Nelson Mandela emphasizes that true courage is not defined by the lack of fear, but rather the ability to confront and overcome it. It suggests that bravery lies in facing one's fears and challenges head-on, transforming them into personal victories.
Themes
CourageFearBraveryOvercomingTriumph
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth and resilience, this quote can inspire listeners to face their fears.
More from Nelson Mandela
All quotes →What freedom am I being offered while the organization of the people remains banned? Only free men can negotiate. A prisoner cannot enter into contracts.
Nelson MandelaRead
The past is a rich resource on which we can draw in order to make decisions for the future, but it does not dictate our choices. We should look back at the past and select what is good, and leave behind what is bad.
Nelson MandelaRead
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
Nelson MandelaRead
After one has been in prison, it is the small things that one appreciates: being able to take a walk whenever one wants, going into a shop and buying a newspaper, speaking or choosing to remain silent. The simple act of being able to control one's person.
Nelson MandelaRead
I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent. I dream of our vast deserts, of our forests, of all our great wildernesses.
Nelson MandelaRead
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