Nelson Mandela was one of a kind. One of the greatest leaders of our era. A remarkable human spirit who has now left behind an awe-inspiring legacy. Not only did the Nobel Peace Prize winner, dance to the beat of his own drum, he had a dream and lived it. His miraculous capacity for forgiveness is something the world will always remember and cherish.
Let’s not forget that Mandela spent 27 years in jail (I saw his prison cell on Robben Island and it was depressingly tiny – around 43 square feet) where he was tortured and humiliated (disturbingly prison guards would bury him in sand just for kicks) – all for his objection to the racist system of Apartheid. Then in 1990, when he was released, instead of feeling bitter and calling for revenge, he found the inner strength to practise reconciliation, forgiveness and compassion. In his own words he said: “Men of peace must not think about retribution or recriminations. Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.”
If a human can find the strength to forgive after being locked away and tormented for three decades, we have much to learn from this. Like Mandela said: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” He was the living example that forgiveness heals yourself and others, and also creates a path towards future world peace.
In remembrance and celebration of his life, if we all set out to forgive just one person who may have wronged us (including ourselves) imagine how much better (and more peaceful) the world would be.
My favourite Madiba quotes
“I learned that courage was 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.”
“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.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“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.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”
