Nelson Mandela Quotes
South African leader who spent 27 years in prison and emerged to end apartheid and become his country's first democratically elected president. Mandela's words on resilience, education and forgiveness inspire the world. Below are 16 of the most loved Nelson Mandela quotes, chosen from across their works and letters. Tap Copy on any quote to save or share it.
One of the most difficult things is not to change society — but to change yourself.
Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
It always seems impossible until it's done.
I never lose. I either win or learn.
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.
As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.