Nelson Mandela 20 Best Inspirational Quotes that Can Change Your Life

Photo Credit: Richard C. Choe

Nelson Mandela| A Brief Biography and Life Touching Story

Nelson Mandela was a South African social activist and antiapartheid campaigner. After years of struggle for freedom, he became South African first democratically elected president and one of the greatest leaders in modern history.

Born on July 18, 1918 in Cape Town, South Africa, into a middle-class home, the young and hopeful Mandela lost his father at the age of 12. A loss which changed a lot about his childhood and how he was raised.

Unlike other black children under the South African Apartheid regime, who were not allowed to attend white privileged schools, Mandela had a little more privilege. Nonetheless, one can easily visualize the challenges Mandela faced at his early childhood as a few of the black kids amidst his apartheid-minded peers.

Mandela was not satisfied with the oppression of the black South African under apartheid. After his primary and secondary education, his sense of activism came to the limelight. while studying for his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University College of Fort, he was expelled from the school for taking part in a student protest. He, however, still obtained his BA from the University of South Africa in 1943.

In his later years, Mandela would drop out again from two universities while struggling to become a lawyer. He finally obtained his LLB in 1989 while serving his years in prison.

Year 1944 was a new dawn of controversy for Nelson. He became fully involved in politics and joined the African National Congress (ANC). His political career was not void of activism and opposition against the apartheid regime. Because of his antiapartheid political idea and involvements, he was charged for treason in 1956 but was not found guilty. This would not be the end of his targeted accusation and prosecution.

On 21 March 1960, after the South African police killed unarmed South African blacks in a protest, Nelson Mandela, among others, led a retaliatory response.

He secretly left South Africa on January 11, 1962 to carryout Pan-African campaigns against apartheid regime. On his return to South Africa, he faced several arrests and was even sent to five years imprisonment for leaving the country illegally.

On October 9, 1963, Mandela and 10 others were tried for sabotage which would cost them death sentence. On June 11, 1964, the court, however, convicted and sentenced him and his seven colleagues to life imprisonment.

Just like a prisoner, Nelson Mandela suffered a lot while in prison. In 1985 he went through prostate surgery and was diagnosed with tuberculosis on August 1988. Although he rejected several attempts to release him on conditions, the great man, Mandela was finally set free unconditionally on Sunday February 11, 1990.

Credit: Neil McCartney

Nelson Mandela| His Impacts and Rise to Glory

After his release from the prison, Mandela became the president under ANC and was inaugurated as the first democratically elected president of South Africa on May 10, 1994, but stepped down in 1999 after his first term in office.

The biography of Nelson Mandela has been a motivation to millions around the world and will remain an inspiring story for the next generation of mankind. Mandela won several awards including the Nobel Peace Prize of 1994 which he shared with President FW de Klerk, a fellow former South African President.

Mandela also ran humanitarian and charity programs. His notable NGOs are Nelson Mandela Foundation and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. He also engaged in several peace missions.

Mandela did not only put an end to the South African apartheid. He taught mankind the value of freedom and gave hope to the oppressed black South African. His speeches were motivating and full of inspirations that would endure for ages through his numerous archived quotes.

Nelson Mandela wrote many books. One of his most popular books is his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom which tells the story of his struggles. You can learn more about Mandela and the South African Apartheid.

Download the book through this page and receive discount on amazon or visit our bookstore for more inspiring books.

20 Nelson Mandela Best Inspirational Quotes

Below are some of the best quotes of Nelson Mandela we have selected for you:

a. Our Favorite Inspirational Quotes by Nelson Mandela:

1. "It always seems impossible until it’s done".

2. “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

3. "A winner is a dreamer who never gives up."

4. “One cannot be prepared for something while secretly believing it will not happen.”

5. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

6. “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

7. “You can not find any passion if you settle with a life that is inferior to the one you are capable to live”.

8. “I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.”

9. “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”

10. “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.”

b. Other Quotes by Nelson Mandela

11. “Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening.”

12. “Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will.”

13. “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.”

14. "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity".

15. "There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return".

16. “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

17. “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”.

18. “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.”

19. “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”

20. “The biggest glory in life is not in never fall but to get up every time we do”.

Nelson Mandela was, indeed, a great leader and a hero.. His legacy will stand the test time. His words were embedded with inspirational quotes  that leave a lasting legacy of hope to mankind.