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.
faith hope optimism

About This Quote

About Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was president of south africa from 1994 to 1999. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist and statesman who was the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first Black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Read more on Wikipedia →

Themes

  • Faith — Reflections on belief, spirituality, and trust in the unseen
  • Hope — Words of encouragement about optimism and brighter futures

More quotes by Nelson Mandela

“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.”
— Nelson Mandela
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“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
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“Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social marker...”
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“If I preached unity, I must act like a unifier, even at the risk of perhaps alienating some of my own colleagues.”
— Nelson Mandela
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“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.”
— Nelson Mandela
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“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
— Nelson Mandela
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