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When we decided to take up arms, it was because the only other choice was to surrender and to submit to slavery.

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
Arms
Choices
Take
Submit
Surrender
Slavery
Decided
Choice

More quotes by Nelson Mandela

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In my country we go to prison first and then become President.
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A winner is a dreamer who never gives up
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There is little favorable to be said about poverty, but it was often an incubator of true friendship. Many people will appear to befriend you when you are wealthy, but precious few will do the same when you are poor. If wealth is a magnet, poverty is a kind of repellent. Yet, poverty often brings out the true generosity in others.
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In Africa there is a concept known as 'ubuntu' - the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievement of others.
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Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any person can have.
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To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy.
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The United States of America is a threat to world peace. Because what [America] is saying is that if you are afraid of a veto in the Security Council, you can go outside and take action and violate the sovereignty of other countries. That is the message they are sending to the world. That must be condemned in the strongest terms.
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I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.
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For me, survival is the ability to cope with difficulties, with circumstances, and to overcome them.
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I am confident that nobody... will accuse me of selfishness if I ask to spend time, while I am still in good health, with my family, my friends and also with myself.
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Living isn't just about doing for yourself,but what you do for others as well.
Nelson Mandela
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With freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk has not ended yet.
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Be a life long student, read as many books as possible.
Nelson Mandela
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In my younger days, I was arrogant - jail helped me to get rid of it. I did nothing but make enemies because of my arrogance.
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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.
Nelson Mandela
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If you look at those matters, you will come to the conclusion that the attitude of the United States of America is a threat to world peace.
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Teach the children that Africans are not one iota inferior to Europeans.
Nelson Mandela
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You sharpen your ideas by reducing yourself to the level of the people you are with and a sense of humour and a complete relaxation, even when you're discussing serious things, does help to mobilise friends around you. And I love that.
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Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
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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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