On July 18 the Mandela Dayin honor of the birth of Nelson Mandela, which took place in 1918. Man symbol of the fight against Apartheid, the first black president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mandela is now remembered not only for his political conquests, but for the message of justice and forgiveness he has left to the whole world.
After 27 years of prison, Mandela went out without hatred, ready to build a new country, based on reconciliation and equality. His life is an example of how determination can change history, even against the most oppressive powers.
On the occasion of his birthday, we retrace some of his most powerful phrases, which continue to inspire millions of people:
Never miss hope
We shouldn’t never lose hope or give up our dreams. We learn to define what are the most important objectives we want to achieve and do everything to make them, without surrendering. Mandela wanted to end apartheid. It seemed an impossible dream, his way was paved with difficulty, but he never surrendered.
“The struggle is my life. I will continue to fight for freedom until the end of my days” (Nelson Mandela)
Walk, breathe, laugh
Mandela risked being sentenced to death. Despite the threats received and his difficult life, and has tried to always maintain an approach to life based on tranquility and lightness, as well as on the importance of smile, despite everything.
“Walk by feeling light, breathe safely, laugh at cracks” (Nelson Mandela)
Let the past go
We should never feel trapped in our past, but live in this And look to the future with all our optimism. We can become carriers of peace and reconciliation, rather than negativity, closure and bitterness.
“We must not be victims of our past, we let our bitterness go. All of us can reach great goals” (Nelson Mandela)
Fight against discrimination
Mandela has dedicated her life to the fight against discrimination e against racism. Today’s society is experiencing a situation of discrimination and oppression. We can help improve it starting from our attitude towards others.
“I hate racism, because I consider it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man, whether it comes from a white man” (Nelson Mandela)
Fight for human rights
We can learn to strengthen ties with others, especially with those who have a culture and color of the skin different from ours. Mandela fought throughout his life for the equality of rights And to say no violence, both by whites and blacks. We try to carry on his teachings.
“I dream of an Africa that is at peace with herself” (Nelson Mandela)
Kindness and solidarity
Let’s try to bring to the world a pinch of kindness and solidarity In addition to others. Our society appears increasingly rich in divisions, which lead to clashes and wars. Kindness and solidarity can really change the world.
“I think being kind and caring is the real basis of a real change” (Nelson Mandela)
Goodness and forgiveness
Nelson Mandela while he was in prison decided to learn Afrikaans, the language of his oppressors. This was the first step towards forgiveness. The sincere forgiveness It can help us make sure that the negative emotions we feel towards others do not ruin our life.
“There are two ways to achieve the goal of a better South Africa: goodness and forgiveness” (Nelson Mandela)
Trust and action
We try to always have trust in our abilities. If we have a dream, let’s do it to the bottom to make it come true. Nothing is really impossible and we can be the first to reach that goal.
“It always seems impossible, until someone creates it” (Nelson Mandela)
Violence is not the answer
According to Mandela, the negotiation And reconciliation represented very effective and powerful weapons that should not be forgotten. His difficult negotiation attempts, during his long struggle, were rewarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
“We cannot win the war, but we can win the elections” (Nelson Mandela)
The importance of the negotiation
According to Mandela, the negotiations represented fundamental tools to deal with the opponents. From this point of view, he put many advice available. From the comparison Both sides have to earn and together you can always find a solution.
“Not compromise Your principles, but don’t humiliate your opponents. Nobody is more dangerous than those who are humiliated “ (Nelson Mandela)
