A Picture of Greatness

I am joined with the rest of the world in mourning the loss of Nelson Mandela.  His influence will be felt throughout history.  So today, I pay a small tribute to him by sharing a few of his words.  Thank you Mr. Mandela for your inspiration, wisdom, and determination!

"Difficulties break some men, but make others."

"Great anger and violence can never build a nation.  We are striving to proceed in a manner and towards a result, which will ensure that all our people, both black and white, emerge as victors."

"Without democracy there cannot be peace."

"When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace."

"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."

"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy.  Then he becomes your partner."

"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."

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

"We can change the world and make it a better place.  It is in your hands to make a difference."

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

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."

"It always seems impossible until it is done."

"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure."

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

"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."

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."

"Once a person is determined to help themselves, there is nothing that can stop them."

"There is no such thing as part freedom."

"It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory, when nice things occur.  You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership."

"Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great.  You can be that generation."

"A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.  You don't have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed."

"If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love."