Portrait of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

Anti-apartheid leader, South African president

Contemporary influential 54 sayings

Sayings by Nelson Mandela

I am prepared to die.

1964 — Statement during the Rivonia Trial
Wisdom Confirmed

We must strive to live together in peace and harmony.

Unknown — Attributed
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

Unknown — Attributed
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them.

Unknown — Attributed, but often misattributed to him and more closely resembles a quote by Lenin or Marx
Political Unverifiable

Long Walk to Freedom is not a book; it is a pilgrimage.

Unknown — Attributed, referring to his autobiography
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried to not falter; I have made mistakes along the way. But with all of that, I have arrived at this point, and I stand before you as a humble servant of you, the people.

1990 — Speech upon his release from prison
Justice & Rights Unverifiable

The purpose of studying history is to make certain that we do not make the same mistakes again.

Unknown — Attributed
Educational Unverifiable

The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.

1964 — Quoting Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' during his trial
Biblical Unverifiable

I am not an expert on anything.

1990s — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

I have always regarded myself as a man of the people, and I have always tried to live up to that ideal.

1994 — Long Walk to Freedom
Wisdom Unverifiable

The education of children is a matter of paramount importance.

Unknown — Attributed
Educational Unverifiable

The greatest weapon against injustice is education.

Unknown — Attributed
Educational Unverifiable

If the ANC does to you what the apartheid government did to you, then you must do to the ANC what you did to the apartheid government.

1990s — Warning about post-apartheid corruption
Political Unverifiable

The nationalisation of the mines, banks, and monopoly industries is the policy of the ANC, and a change or modification of our views in this regard is inconceivable.

1990 — Statement on economic policy
General Unverifiable
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