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.
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