Nelson Mandela

I looked into the vast dome of blue emptiness that stretched out above me in all directions and the illusion was still there, the size and speed, and what information they were sending to mother earth.

Nelson Mandela

I made a mistake by being ejected from the presidency. Next time, I will choose a Cabinet which will allow me to be life President.

Nelson Mandela

I realized that they could take everything from me except my mind and my heart. They could not take those things. Those things I still had control over. And I decided not to give them away.

Nelson Mandela

I really wanted to retire and rest and spend more time with my children, my grandchildren and of course with my wife. But the problems are such that for anybody with a conscience who can use whatever influence he may have to try to bring about peace, it’s difficult to say no.

Nelson Mandela

I should tie myself to no particular system of society other than of socialism.

Nelson Mandela

I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.

Nelson Mandela

I started to make a study of the art of war and revolution and, whilst abroad, underwent a course in military training. If there was to be guerrilla warfare, I wanted to be able to stand and fight with my people and to share the hazards of war with them.

Nelson Mandela

I told my cellmates about the oppression of the whites and apartheid. I helped organize hunger strikes and the like in my prison.

Nelson Mandela

I understand that the legal position is under review in South Africa and that there will soon be a broader set of organizations to which donors can give and claim tax deductions.

Nelson Mandela

I want at once to make it clear that I am no racialist, and I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or from a white man.

Nelson Mandela