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Before I went to jail, I was active in politics as a member of South Africa's leading organization - and I was generally busy from 7 A.M. until midnight. I never had time to sit and think.

Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela
Age: 95 †
Born: 1918
Born: July 18
Died: 2013
Died: December 5
Autobiographer
Former President Of South Africa
Lawyer
Political Activist
Political Prisoner
Politician
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Mandela
Prisoner 46664
Madiba
Think
Busy
Thinking
Organization
Midnight
South
Member
Members
Jail
Went
Leading
Politics
Africa
Never
Generally
Time
Active

More quotes by Nelson Mandela

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Video screenshot Facts and figures from Nelson Mandela's life, set to the trailer from 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.' Man's goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.
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The titanic effort that has brought liberation to South Africa, and ensured the total liberation of Africa, constitutes an act of redemption for the black people of the world.
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The people of Africa have learned the lessons of patience and endurance in their long struggle for freedom. In a cynical world we have become an inspiration to many. We signal that good can be achieved amongst human beings who are prepared to trust, prepared to belief in the goodness of people.
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For me, survival is the ability to cope with difficulties, with circumstances, and to overcome them.
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There is nothing more dangerous than a humiliated man.
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MY greatest regret in life is that I never became the heavyweight boxing champion ofthe world.
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There is nothing like a fixed, steady aim, with an honorable purpose. It dignifies your nature, and insures your success.
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The death sentence is a barbaric act.
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When I closed THE GRAPES OF WRATH, I was a different man. It enriched my powers of thinking and discipline, and my relationships. I left prison more informed than when I went in. And the more informed you are, the less arrogant and aggressive you are.
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It is music and dancing that make me at peace with the world.
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Running taught me valuable lessons. In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did.
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It is not the kings and generals that make history, but the masses of the people.
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I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.
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I was called a terrorist yesterday... Today I am admired by the very people who said I was one.
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I could not imagine that the future I was walking toward could compare in any way to the past that I was leaving behind.
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There are few misfortunes in this world that you cannot turn into a personal trimuph if you have the iron will and the neccessary skill.
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Today we are a nation at peace with itself, united in our diversity, not only proclaiming but living out the contention that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. We take our place amongst the nations of the world, confident and proud in being an African country.
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To a freedom fighter hope is what a lifebelt is to a swimmer - a guarantee that one will keep afloat and free from danger.
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I am fundamentally an optimist.
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I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists.
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