WIST Quotations

Mandela, Nelson -- (Attributed)

Dave — Wed, 17 May 2017 00:03:54 +0000

As I walked out the door toward my freedom, I knew that if I did not leave all the anger, hatred, and bitterness behind, that I would still be in prison.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
(Attributed)

On his release from 27 years behind bars. Quoted by Hillary Clinton from a conversation she had with him.

Mandela, Nelson -- (Misattributed)

Dave — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:25:11 +0000

Our world is not divided by race, color, gender, or religion. Our world is divided into wise people and fools. And fools divide themselves by race, color, gender, or religion.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
(Misattributed)

Widely attributed to Mandela, but not found in his works or news record. It appears to actually have been said by Lebanese diplomat Mohamad Safa.

That said, the sentiment and language aligns with other statements by Mandala, such as in a speech (1999-04-16) in Durban, South Africa:

But let us re-affirm this one thing here today; it is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.

Or a speech (1994-10-03) before the United Nations General Assembly:

We must ensure that color, race and gender become only a God-given gift to each one of us and not an indelible mark or attribute that accords a special status to any.

More discussion about this quotation:

Mandela, Nelson -- A Long Walk to Freedom (1994)

Dave — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 12:34:30 +0000

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
A Long Walk to Freedom (1994)

Mandela, Nelson -- A Long Walk to Freedom, ch. 114 (1994)

Dave — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:28:46 +0000

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

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
A Long Walk to Freedom, ch. 114 (1994)
(Source)

Mandela, Nelson -- Long Walk to Freedom (1995)

Dave — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 04:05:44 +0000

It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
Long Walk to Freedom (1995)

Mandela, Nelson -- Inaugural Address, South Africa (10 May 1994)

Dave — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:53:29 +0000

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
Inaugural Address, South Africa (10 May 1994)

Mandela, Nelson -- Letter from prison to Zindzi Mandela, given in Soweto speech (10 Feb 1985)

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2004 16:00:00 +0000

Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contracts. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) South African revolutionary, politician, statesman
Letter from prison to Zindzi Mandela, given in Soweto speech (10 Feb 1985)

On refusing to bargain for freedom after 21 years in prison. Quoted in Time (25 Feb 1985).