There are some men who have changed the world, and Nelson Mandela was one of the most inspiring. After his death, he left behind an indelible legacy of love. He is one of the most important, inspirational people of all time.
Nelson Mandela lived an exemplary life and was extraordinarily talented. His talent includes his inspirational words that can still help us stay strong when we are going through tough times.
Here are some life lessons the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s selfless actions and profound words taught the world:
Don’t Lose Hope
“The struggle is my life. I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.”
Mandela spent 27 years in prison because he and the ANC party had adopted a Marxist strategy of sabotage and violence in the fight for justice. He spent many years in prison, but he always had very clear objectives and committed to ending Apartheid and injustice in society. Mandela knew that the road would be paved with enormous difficulties, but he never lost hope.
Never Give Up
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
Nothing in this world is impossible, and Mandela’s own story reminds us of that. On his road from rom lawyer to political activist, to prisoner, to the president of a nation, to an iconic global leader, Mandela had to endure far more than many of us can even imagine. Nelson Mandela taught us that overcoming obstacles is the only way to reach your dreams.
Be Kind
“I believe that in the end that it is kindness and accommodation that are all the catalysts for real change.”
Mandela had every reason to become bitter and twisted after being imprisoned for nearly three decades. But, he was intelligent enough to realize that violence is never the answer and that kindness is always the path towards peace and reconciliation.
Fight Discrimination
“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.”
Today, society contains many forms of discrimination and racism. Mandela taught us that regardless of age or sex, race or color, the bottom line is that we’ve all been put on this earth together. People need to remember that the same frame of bones lies underneath every person’s skin, no matter what.
Let Go Of The Past
“We don’t have to be victims of our past, that we can let go of our bitterness, and that all of us can achieve greatness.”
We don’t have control over what has happened to us in the past. Although we cannot change the past, we can learn from past experiences and keep moving forward. Your past does not define who you are, but it prepares you for who you can become.
Learn To Forgive
“If there are dreams of a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to that goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.”
Mandela forgave his oppressors, and instead of using aggression and confrontation towards them, he rose above the din of anger to speak out about love’s virtues and healing power. If you never learn to forgive, you will always feel bad because negative emotions ruin your life. So, don’t deny yourself the chance to be and have everything you want by holding onto old hurts, failures, and resentments.
Education Is Important
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela was an educated man. He was great believer in education and lifelong learning. Education is the key to moving forward in life.
Perseverance
“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.”
The people who persevere and push through the difficulties in life are the ones who ultimately accomplish what they set out to achieve.
You Are Responsible For Your Own Life
“I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny.”
Mandela knew that we are responsible for our own lives and that you have to take control of your steering wheel to take your life where you want to go. No matter how many genuine excuses you may have, the course of your life all boils down to you and what you do.
Live With A Purpose
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
Nelson Mandela wanted to touch people and make a difference in others’ lives. We should strive to do the same; to help people, motivate them, and try to make a positive impact in other’s lives. Whenever you make a positive impact on someone’s life, you end up enriching your own life.
Regardless of where you live in the world, you should remember this truly great leader. Nelson Mandela will always be an inspiration to us all. We can all take his words to heart and learn from them. His actions, spirit, and wisdom will never die.
Originally published on Mitzi J Hernandez
Featured image via South Africa The Good News / CC BY
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