We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Honour belongs to those who never forsake the truth even when things seem dark and grim, who try over and over again, who are never discouraged by insults, humiliation and even defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of standing by the truth and persistently striving, despite facing adversity and negative experiences.
Nelson Mandela's quote highlights that true honor is found in individuals who remain committed to the truth, regardless of the challenges they face. It underscores the value of resilience and perseverance, stressing that even in dark times, one should continue to uphold their beliefs and not be swayed by insults or setbacks. Honor is not merely a title to be claimed; it is earned through unwavering dedication to integrity in the face of adversity.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a motivational speech about the importance of integrity in leadership.
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.
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.
We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
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.
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.
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The thought that I might kill myself formed in my mind coolly as a tree or a flower.
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