Nelson Mandela Quotes

65 quotes in this collection

Author Spotlight

Nelson Mandela

July 18 , 1918 – December 5 , 2013

Nelson Mandela was a South African politician, activist. Their words on leadership, courage and responsibility are still quoted by those looking for strength and direction.

65 quotes in this collection

Featured Newest Most Liked Most Viewed

"Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening."

-- Nelson Mandela

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

-- Nelson Mandela

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

-- Nelson Mandela

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

-- Nelson Mandela

"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."

-- Nelson Mandela

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

-- Nelson Mandela

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

-- Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

-- Nelson Mandela

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"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."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it will kill your enemies."

-- Nelson Mandela

"A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special."

-- Nelson Mandela

"A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

-- Nelson Mandela

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

-- Nelson Mandela

"After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end."

-- Nelson Mandela

"Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe is sharp enough to cut the soul of a sinner who keeps on trying, one armed with the hope that he will rise even in the end."

-- Nelson Mandela

About this author

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked

Who is Nelson Mandela? +

Nelson Mandela was a South African politician, activist. Their words on leadership, courage and responsibility are still quoted by those looking for strength and direction.

What is Nelson Mandela's most famous quote? +

One of Nelson Mandela's most widely shared quotes is: "Let there be peace for all.".

What did Nelson Mandela say about leadership? +

On leadership, Nelson Mandela said: "It always seems impossible until it's done.".

What did Nelson Mandela say about resilience? +

On resilience, Nelson Mandela said: "After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.".

Why are Nelson Mandela's quotes popular? +

Nelson Mandela's quotes endure because they turn ideas about Leadership, Resilience, Change, Education into clear, memorable language that is easy to relate to and share.

Explore by theme