We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Every generation has the potential to achieve greatness, and it's our responsibility to embrace that challenge.
In this quote, Nelson Mandela emphasizes the importance of each generation stepping up to make a significant impact on the world. He calls for individuals to recognize their potential for greatness and to take action, despite the challenges they may face. The message reinforces the idea that not striving for greatness is a disservice to humanity, urging collective action for positive change.
Themes
GreatnessGenerationActionHumanityInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
Motivating a youth group to engage in community service.
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.
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We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to believe in the goodness of people.
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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.
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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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