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We can build a society grounded on friendship and our common humanity - a society founded on tolerance. That is the only road open to us.

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
Open
Society
Founded
Common
Grounded
Tolerance
Road
Friendship
Build
Humanity

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The death sentence is a barbaric act.
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Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . .
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When I went to jail, I was a trained lawyer. And when the wardens received letters of demands or summonses, they didn't have the resources to go to an attorney to help them. I would help them settle their cases, so they became attached to me and the other prisoners.
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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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Great anger and violence can never build a nation.
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Our experience has taught us that with goodwill a negotiated solution can be found for even the most profound problems.
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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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There will be life after Mandela. On my last day I want to know that those who remain behind will say: 'The man who lies here has done his duty for his country and his people.'
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It always gives me great pleasure to be surrounded by the beautiful children of our land. Whenever I am with the energetic young people ... I feel like a recharged battery, confident that our country can look forward to great things.
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No power on this earth can destroy the thirst for human dignity
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The collapse of good conscience and the absence of accountability and public scrutiny have led to crimes against humanity and violations of international law.
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The United States has made serious mistakes in the conduct of its foreign affairs, which have had unfortunate repercussions long after the decisions were taken.
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The curious beauty about African music is that it uplifts even as it tells a sad story.
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There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.
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Let us give publicity to HIV/AIDS and not hide it, because [that is] the only way to make it appear like a normal illness
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We cannot proclaim this century the African Century and then ignore the AIDS pandemic, as some political leaders are apt to do. To claim this century the African Century is to declare war on AIDS.
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I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.
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To truly lead one's people, one must also truly know them.
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We know it well that none of us acting alone can achieve success.
Nelson Mandela
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A political movement must keep in touch with reality and the prevailing conditions. Long speeches, the shaking of fists, the banging of tables, and strongly worded resolutions out of touch with the objective conditions do not bring about mass action and can do a great deal of harm to the organization and the struggle we serve.
Nelson Mandela