Nelson Mandela International Day

History will remember him as one of the greatest and most influencial men who ever lived. Nelson Mandela - first democratically chosen black president of South Africa, Nobel Prize winner and anti-Apartheid supporter, always fighting against segregation and devoting his life to the service of humanity. He was a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience and an international peacemaker.

 

During his almost 100 years life (died at the age of 95) Mandela inspired all of us. Some of his inpirational words of wisdom are enumerated below:

 

"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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"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."

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"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."

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"It always seems impossible until it's done."

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

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"Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people."

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

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"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."

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"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

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"Money won't create success, the freedom to make it will."

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

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"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies."

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"I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."

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

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"When people are determined they can overcome anything."

 

July, 18 is Nelson Mandela's birthday and officially declared by The United Nations as International Nelson Mandela Day to celebrate freedom, justice and democracy. Each of us has the power and ability to make the change, just like Mandela did - to change the world for the better. Take action and inspire change!

 

 

Beata Jaranowska

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