We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
I was first imprisoned in Pretoria, and then, thereafter, I was taken to Robben Island. I stayed there for a couple of weeks. I was taken back to Pretoria when I was charged in the Rivonia trial, when I was then sent to Robben Island for life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects Nelson Mandela's experience of imprisonment and his resilience in the face of adversity.
In this quote, Nelson Mandela recounts his journey through the prison system, highlighting the severity of his imprisonment and the struggles he faced during his fight against apartheid. It underscores the themes of resilience and determination, illuminating how personal sacrifice can play a crucial role in the pursuit of justice and equality.
Themes
ImprisonmentResilienceCourageApartheidJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about civil rights, one might quote Mandela to inspire courage in the face of oppression.
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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I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour. But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment.
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