We owe our children – the most vulnerable citizens in any society – a life free from violence and fear.
Nelson MandelaRead
Video screenshot_x000D_ _x000D_ Facts and figures from Nelson Mandela's life, set to the trailer from 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.'_x000D_ _x000D_ "Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished."
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that inherent goodness exists within every person, even if it is not always visible.
Nelson Mandela's quote emphasizes the idea that every human being possesses an intrinsic goodness, which may sometimes be obscured by challenges, circumstances, or negative influences. This goodness, symbolized as a flame, cannot be permanently diminished or extinguished, reminding us of the enduring potential for compassion and kindness that resides within all individuals, regardless of their current state or actions.
Themes
GoodnessFlameIntrinsicKindnessHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech to encourage volunteers 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.
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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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