Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, died Thursday at the age of 95. He will be remembered for his unrelenting pursuit of racial equality and lifelong struggle against segregation and poverty, as well for his passionate belief in humanity.
He passed away in the company of his family at around 8:50pm on December 5, South African President Jacob Zuma announced in a statement to the nation's people.
He served 27 years, mostly in the isolated Robben Island prison for political inmates. An international campaign lobbied for his release, which was granted in 1990.
Mandela was awarded the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom and is held in deep respect within South Africa as the "Father of the Nation"
Here’s a look back at some of the quotes from one of the world’s most beloved political figures.
Death is something inevitable.When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.
No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.
A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind.
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear myself more times than I can remember, but I hid it behind a mask of boldness. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.
I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles.
Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.
Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life; I fight it now, and will do so until the end of my days.
A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.
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 that will determine the significance of the life we lead.
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